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Tue, 24 June 2014 17:30:00Tue, 24 June 2014 17:30:00ABC's 'The Taste' Casting Call for Season 3 in Boston, Seattle, Chicago, Austin and L.A.http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2014/june/abc-casting-call-for-the-taste-in-boston-seattle-chicago-austin-los-angeles"THE TASTE" ON ABC IS PICKED UP FOR SEASON 3 AND KICKS OFF NATIONWIDE CASTING CALL FOR PROFESSIONAL CHEFS &amp; HOME COOKS! Los Angeles - May 17, 2014 - If you think you can stand the heat, sign-up to get in the kitchen! Open casting calls for chefs interested in competing in this culinary competition series will be held in cities across the country starting on Saturday, June 21, 2014. ”THE TASTE” SEASON 3 CASTING CALLS ARE AS FOLLOWS: Los Angeles - Saturday, June 21stLe Cordon Bleu 6370 W. Sunset BlvdHollywood, CA 90028 10am-3pm Austin - Saturday, June 28thThe Millennium Youth Entertainment Complex 1156 Hargrave St. Austin, Texas 78702 10am-3pm Seattle - Saturday, June 28thSwedish Cultural Center 1920 Dexter Ave N Seattle, WA 98109 10am-3pm Chicago - Saturday, July 12thCentered Chef Food Studios 177 N. Ada St. #101 Chicago, IL 60607 10am-3pm Boston - Saturday, July 12thWorkbar 45 Prospect StreetCentral Square Cambridge, MA, 02139 10am-3pm For additional updated casting information and to apply visit: http://www.thetastecasting.com/ "The Taste" is an American cooking-themed reality competition series on ABC. It premiered on January 22, 2013. On May 14, 2013, ABC renewed "The Taste" for a second season. "The Taste" began its second season on January 2, 2014."The Taste" was listed as a returning series during ABC's upfront presentations on May 13, 2014, thus confirming a Season 3. For a sneak peek of last season’s finale, http://abc.go.com/shows/the-taste/video/VDKA0_vxzwkzu8 "The Taste" is produced by Kinetic Content who create and produce cross-platform for the multi-genre content for the global television marketplace. Chris Coelen, Sam Dean, Anthony Bourdain, Nigella Lawson and Brian Smith serve as Executive Producers for the show. ABC is an American commercial broadcast television network viewed in the United States and Canada. Throughout its history, ABC has supported its financial operations by diversifying into the press, the publishing industry, the operation of theaters, and filmmaking. As one of the "Big Three television networks", ABC has broadcast many programs that have contributed significantly to American popular culture. These include classic series such as Zorro, The Untouchables, The Brady Bunch, Happy Days, Roseanne, and The Fugitive; more recent titles such as Castle, Lost, Revenge, Desperate Housewives, Grey's Anatomy, and Modern Family; live broadcasts such as Monday Night Football; the reality shows America's Funniest Home Videos, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, and Dancing with the Stars; and the morning news program Good Morning America. Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ABCNetwork. Photography and video available at www.abcmedianet.com. Photo request line (818) 460-6611. Follow us on:Facebook: Facebook.com/TheTasteABC Twitter: Twitter.com/TheTasteABC Tumblr: http://thetasteabc.tumblr.com Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/thetasteabc/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/show/thetaste Kinetic PR Contact : Paria Sadighi P: (310) 883-7240 E: psadighi@kineticcontent.com Casting Duo Contact: Rebecca Greenberg P: (818) 569-4052 ext. 6908 E: RebeccaCasting@gmail.comhttp://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2014/june/abc-casting-call-for-the-taste-in-boston-seattle-chicago-austin-los-angeles
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2014/june/abc-casting-call-for-the-taste-in-boston-seattle-chicago-austin-los-angelesTue, 24 June 2014 17:30:00 Tennessee Cities Claim Top Two Spots on Travel+Leisure's Best American Cities for Barbecuehttp://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2014/may/tennessee-claim-top-2-spots-for-best-bbq-citiesOn Travel + Leisure's "America's Best Cities for Barbecue" for 2014, Tennessee cities have claimed the top two positions. But, surprisingly it is Nashville which places number one and Memphis number two. Memphis is world renowned for their barbecue and the epicenter for "dry rub" ribs, but the variety of barbecue styles available in Nashville are what pushed it to the top. Also making a strong showing, Texas cities claim 4 of the top 10 positions. From Travel+Leisure: No. 1 NashvilleIt’s a Tennessee takedown: with its ever-expanding foodie scene, Music City won for compiling a greatest-hits collection of barbecue styles—from the whole-hog approach of rural Tennessee, the tomatoey sauces of Memphis, and even the mayo-and-vinegar white sauces typical of Alabama—with southern-style catfish, fried okra, and banana pudding thrown in. Alongside traditional platters, the best places in Nashville offer some cheeky twists: Martin’s Bar-B-Que has Redneck Tacos (filled with brisket or pulled pork), while Peg Leg Porker in The Gulch offers an appetizer of Memphis Sushi (cheese and sausage on saltines). At Edley’s Bar-B-Que, both in East Nashville and 12South, the Tuck Special is a brisket sandwich topped with house-made pimento cheese, an over-easy egg, red and white sauce, and pickles. In a perhaps related note, Nashville also scored near the top for its civic pride. No. 2 Memphis, TNRibs and pork sandwiches are the staples of Memphis-style barbecue: dry-rubbed and smoked over hickory, and often mopped with sauce while cooking. To eat with the savviest locals, head to one of the branches of Central BBQ, which does a classic pork sandwich, pulled-pork nachos, and even a four-ounce barbecued bologna sandwich (the newest is downtown, next to the National Civil Rights Museum). Another favorite—especially with local chefs—is the Bar-B-Q Shop (“home of the Dancing Pigs BBQ sauce”), which claims to be the birthplace of another Memphis staple, sauce-coated barbecue spaghetti. And while the locals ranked at the bottom of the survey for being physically fit, Memphis impressed readers with its bluesy street performers and low-cost luxuries. Rounding out the top 10 (in decending order) are: Kansas City, Austin, Houston, San Antonio, Charleston, Dallas-Ft Worth, Savannah, New Orleans. Go to full slideshow: Travel + Leisure's "America's Best Cities for Barbecue"http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2014/may/tennessee-claim-top-2-spots-for-best-bbq-cities
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2014/may/tennessee-claim-top-2-spots-for-best-bbq-citiesWed, 21 May 2014 20:30:00 AppAdvise Daily Recommends LocalEatshttp://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2014/may/appadvise-daily-recommends-localeatsFrom Robin Rhys, Senior Editor AppAdvice Daily: Looking for something other than Yelp when it comes to restaurant discovery? Well, whether you are out of town, or looking for something new in your hood, LocalEats is a great solution. Watch the show to see why it’s topping the App Store charts after the latest update.http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2014/may/appadvise-daily-recommends-localeats
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2014/may/appadvise-daily-recommends-localeatsThu, 15 May 2014 22:57:00 Love Day Links23122http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2014/february/love-day-linksHappy day of St. Valentine, LocalEaters! Here's a handful of holiday appropriate happenings around the web. If you're scrambling for last minute dining plans, sort through great locally owned restaurants nearby on the LocalEats app. It's probably wise to avoid French and Italian places at this late hour, but some restaurants will likely have bar seats available (just call!). The Hungry Lobbyist asks D.C. bloggers, chefs and politicos about their V-Day dining plans. (Confession: I'm quoted in this. Warning! Not responsible for repercussions resulting from following my shoddy advice on romantic matters.) Ben Collins of Esquire identifies the worst possible Valentine's Day gift: mayonnaise. The devil's condiment makes a pretty lousy gift any day though really. Red Velvet Beet Chocolate Mouse from Veggie Desserts makes for an ideal homemade Valentine's dessert. Beets get a bum rap. Subtly poison your man to heighten the romance with these boozy Valentine's gift ideas for dudes from The Daily Meal. Hard to go wrong with brown liquor or beer (any, so long as there's no fruit on the label) Epicurious runs down "6 Cliche Valentine's Day Foods We Secretly Love." I'll buy fondue and chocolate covered strawberries, but I'm unwilling to believe people enjoy consuming the chalk-tastic conversation hearts. The world's most romantic ribeye (spotted at Publix)http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2014/february/love-day-links
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2014/february/love-day-linksFri, 14 February 2014 14:37:00 Road Hog: Catching up with Rodney Scott23122http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2014/january/catching-up-with-rodney-scottThe day before Thanksgiving, the pit house at beloved Scott’s Bar-B-Que in Hemingway, SC went up in flames. Almost immediately, owner/pitmaster extraordinaire Rodney Scott had temporary pits fired up, the holiday season being by far the busiest for the store. (They sell from 45-60 turkeys per week around Thanksgiving). Following the holidays, Scott has taken his mobile barbecue rig on the road, serving whole hog across the South to raise money to rebuild the pits with the “Rodney in Exile Tour.” It’s hosted by the Fatback Collective — a group of barbecue all-stars, chefs and southern food cognoscenti. We sat down with Scott at Husk Nashville, which hosted a plate lunch as one of these fundraising events, to ask about the tour and his restaurant. Scott sauces the hogs with a mop on King Street in Charleston (the first stop of the tour). Photo credit: Angie Mosier As universally loved as barbecue seems to be, it’s easy to forget what a dangerous business it can be— especially on a large scale — what with the constant manipulation of fire and all. Not to mention, some of the more celebrated old school barbecue joints are housed in very old facilities. Scott indulged us and told us a little bit about the fire: “The hogs caught on fire on the double pit. The fire reached the inner wall. And once it got to the inner wall, there was wood structure behind the FRP. And that wood was so old, that once the spark hit it, that was it. It engulfed the deep fryer, which shot the gas line loose, causing [the employee manning the pits] to panic and pretty much run. I would have run too.” If a packed lunch crowd at Husk was any indication, the tour has gone well thus far. On his outlook about the fundraising goal, Scott continued, “I feel positive. The goal is $120,000. The estimated cost [to rebuild the pits] is $100,000. Anything over the budget will be put into the Fatback Collective Fund. That will be sitting there for anyone else who has a mishap or to a charity of our choice.” Rodney's road smoker with a burn barrel and a double cooker, which can do two hogs at once) Anyone in the business will tell that making great barbecue is a slow, laborious process requiring long, late hours and grueling, hands-on work. Veritable iron man Rodney Scott takes this further than just about anyone. The man personally cuts down the trees (pecan, oak and hickory), chops the wood, and burns it down into charcoal to fuel his pits. As far as local sourcing goes, he’s even got the rest of the community involved. Neighbors and tree removal services will call Rodney with tips about felled limbs and trees nearby. “They’ll cut it down and say, ‘if you can clean this up, you can have it.’ We’ve been pretty lucky with neighbors and companies giving us wood.” The neighbors probably consider themselves the lucky ones, living near one of the world’s best barbecue restaurants that also offers free tree removal. Scott’s Bar-B-Que is truly a family business. Rodney’s parents bought the store in 1972, when he was only a year old. His folks still work there, as well as a number of cousins and other relatives. Fifteen years ago, working the family barbecue business in a town of less than 500 people probably seemed like a relatively anonymous job. But an ever-growing interest in southern food, the cult-like devotion of barbecue enthusiasts and the internet have turned Rodney into somewhat of a celebrity. We asked if he ever thought barbecue would blow up so much in the internet age with pitmasters gaining national notoriety: “Never saw it coming. NEVER. I made this crazy statement when I was younger that, ‘The world will know who I am.’ I never knew it would. I must have been about 12 or 13.” Upcoming “Rodney in Exile” tour stops include Birmingham, hosted by Drew Robinson, Nicholas Pihakis and Scott at Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Que (Feb 1), and the final stop in Charleston, hosted by Sean Brock, Sam Jones and Scott. (Feb 4). An additional “tribute” event has been scheduled in San Francisco on Feb 9th. For more informations visit The Fatback Collective’s page. Whole hog, fresh from the smoker at Huskhttp://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2014/january/catching-up-with-rodney-scott
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2014/january/catching-up-with-rodney-scottFri, 31 January 2014 15:49:00 Rodney Scott Brings His BBQ to Nashville (for One Day)23122http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2014/january/rodney-scott-brings-his-bbq-to-nashville-(for-one-day)Attention, Nashville 'cue enthusiasts. Next Thursday, January 23th, you'll have the opportunity to sample barbecue from one of the nation's premier pitmasters, Rodney Scott of legendary Scott's Bar-B-Q (Hemingway, SC). The Fatback Collective — kind of the Superfriends of barbecue/Southern food — is hosting two Nashville events showcasing Scott's famed whole hog barbeque. Proceeds from these events will help fund the rebuild of Scott's Bar-B-Q, which suffered significant fire damage in late 2013. First, Husk Nashville, will be serving up barbeque plate lunches ("the Rodney plate") for $12 on a first come, first serve basis from 11 am–2 pm. In the evening, Sean Brock (of Husk), Pat Martin (of Martin's Bar-B-Que) and Scott will be hosting a multi-course dinner at Ruby involving whole hog, brisket, fried chicken and more. It's $100 per person, but this includes tax, tip and drinks. World-class barbecue for a great cause at one of Nashville's slickets new venues: What's not to love? Additional location and ticket reservation info below.http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2014/january/rodney-scott-brings-his-bbq-to-nashville-(for-one-day)
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2014/january/rodney-scott-brings-his-bbq-to-nashville-(for-one-day)Fri, 17 January 2014 14:52:00 hjlhttp://www.localeats.com#http://www.localeats.com#
http://www.localeats.com#Wed, 08 January 2014 18:22:00 Holiday Gifts for the Food-Obsessed23122http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2013/december/holiday-gifts-for-the-food-obsessedWelcome to the LocalEats holiday gift guide. We'd of course, be remiss not to start things off by suggesting that the new LocalEats gift cards make fantastic gifts for foodies. It's a great way to support local businesses, and best of all, the recipient, not the person who gives the card, gets to decide where to redeem the card. Here's our ever-growing list of participating restaurants. Shameless plug aside, here are some foodcentric gift ideas for your edification. In search of a last minute romantic gift for your non-vegetarian significant other? You'll melt their heart (and perhaps make it burn) with the Bacons of the World gift package from Belcampo Meat Co. – five pounds of bacon four times a year, with a different exotic bacon with each shipment. There are a number of deliverable smoked fish packages from NYC's legendary Jewish deli, Russ &amp; Daughters, but the Smoked Salmon Medley is among the most popular with 3 kinds of smoked salmon, cream cheese, bagels and even a Russ &amp; Daughters tote bag (you'll be the coolest kid in school!). For the classy oenophile (or lush) in your family, there's this Grape Wine Rack from Robert Bronwasser, sold by Greener Grass Design. Who couldn't use 50-pound box of New Mexico Green Chiles from the New Mexico Catalogue? Sure, you could just purchase a five-pound box, but why not be set for salsa and soups for life. Go big or go home. Cooks and aspiring chefs will enjoy Le Pigeon: Cooking at the Dirty Bird, from James Beard Award-winning chef Gabriel Rucker of Le Pigeon in Portland. If elk tongue stroganoff and roasted pigeon aren't your thing, try the Roberta's Cookbook from the stellar Bushwick restaurant of the same name. For the homesick Chicagoan or anyone wanting to step up their frozen pizza game, you can order deep dish by mail from Lou Malnati's (order here) or Gino's East (order here. Looking for a unique interior lighting piece for a carb enthusiast? Try these Pampshades, (lamps made from actual bread).http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2013/december/holiday-gifts-for-the-food-obsessed
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2013/december/holiday-gifts-for-the-food-obsessedFri, 13 December 2013 15:25:00 Web Edibleshttp://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2013/december/web-ediblesHappy Repeal Day, LocalEaters! While you count down the remaining hours of the work day until you can celebrate your freedom to imbibe as you please, enjoy a few tasty links concerning food and drink. Also, shameless plug: Don't forget to take a look at our shiny new LocalEats gift cards. For every $50 you spend, we'll throw in an additional $10. With Ask a Critic: Serious Eats recommends restaurants for a precocious 10-year-old foodie on his first NYC visit — Katz's, Motorino and Economy Candy are among those on the list. John T. Edge names his Top Ten Dishes of 2013 in Garden &amp; Gun with mouthwatering photos to boot. Featured dishes include the likes of whole roasted fish with salsa verde at Peche Seafood Grille (New Orleans), escargot hush puppies at Mintwood Place (D.C), and white barbecue sauce chicken from Martin's Bar-B-Que (Nolensville, TN). Thrillist runs down 23 Simple Things You're Doing Wrong While Eating Asian Food. Use your hands on nigiri! Don't slurp that pho! Foodiggity displays some offbeat food-related holiday gifts including The Ice Cream Sandwich Pillow, a Grilled Cheesus Sandwich Press, and Muffin Tops Cupcake Molds. A brief and enlightening history of the spork from The New York Times, which was not invented by Colonel Sanders — it dates back to Medieval times.http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2013/december/web-edibles
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2013/december/web-ediblesThu, 05 December 2013 20:22:00 10 Deliciously Weird Dishes across the Country21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2013/november/best-weird-foodsFor the following iconic bizarre dishes, beauty is in the eye (or tastebuds) of the beholder. They may not win any Instagram competitions, but they're a testament to American ingenuity and display a devotion to creativity with comfort food. These dishes exist because some visionary chefs and restaurateurs across the country were unafraid to say "YES" to more gravy, French fries, chili and anything else for the sake of inventing some messy and indulgent, but brilliantly weird foods. The Garbage Plate, Nick Tahou Hots (Rochester, NY)Perhaps the country's most famous towering pile of food, the Garbage Plate's origin is widely attributed to Nick Tahou Hots, a Rochester institution since 1918. The base of the dish is always the diner’s choice of two sides — home fries, French fries, macaroni salad or baked beans — topped by your choice of meat — hot dog, hamburger patty, Italian sausage, or chicken tenders. Finally, the whole mixture is dressed with mustard and onions, then doused with Nick’s signature hot sauce. photo credit: Eugene Peretz Loco Moco, Eggs 'n Things (Honolulu, HI)A regional Hawaiian delight that can be found throughout the islands (Eggs 'n Things is just one noteworthy purveyor), Moco Loco is a layered dish of fried eggs, a hamburger patty, white rice, brown gravy, and sometimes Spam (ubiquitous in Hawaii) or other meats. 7 Pound Breakfast Burrito, Jack-n-Grill (Denver, CO) Not exactly your padre's grab-and-go, foil-wrapped burrito, Jack-n-Grill's 7 Pound Breakfast Burrito is every bit as intimidating as it sounds, filled with 5 lbs of potatoes, 12 eggs, 1/2 a pound of ham, onions and green chiles (fire-roasted on the premises), then topped with a mound of cheese and their signature green pork chile. The Travel Channel's Adam Richman threw in the towel while attempting to tackle this burrito beast, but if you manage to succeed, your polaroid will have a place on their wall of fame. The Hot Hamburger, Murphy's Steak House (Bartlesville, OK)Leave your preconceived notion of a "hamburger" at the door at this Bartlesville institution dating back to 1946. The Hot Hamburger is a gut-busting tradition that layers a generous hamburger steak patty on buttered Texas toast with grilled onions (optional but only a rookie would forego them) and an ungodly amount of fries. The whole thing is smothered in glorious brown gravy. Pastrami Cheese Fries, Kenny &amp; Zuke's Delicatessen (Portland, OR)Not all loaded fries are created equal. Many spuds become soggy under the weight of chili and a variety of other toppings. But we can totally get behind an over-sized plate of thin, crispy fries topped with a heapin' helpin of Kenny &amp; Zuke's signature pastrami and covered with melted Swiss cheese. Something this extraordinary probably shouldn't be hiding under "Sides" on the menu. Chili Six-Way, Blue Ash Chili (Cincinnati, OH)It's difficult to spend any amount of time in Cincinnati without stumbling face first into a plate of chili, be it 3-, 4- or 5-way. Blue Ash takes things a step further with their chili 6-way: that's their signature Cincinnati-style chili (1) on top of spaghetti (2) topped with copious amounts of shredded cheese (3), onions (4), beans (5) and the coup de grâce, fried pickled jalapeno caps (6). The Tamale Spread, McClard's Bar-B-Q (Hot Springs, AR) A former favorite of President Clinton (before he went vegan — raise your hand if you saw that coming), McClard's signature item is the Tamale Spread, a heaping pile of food consisting of two open faced tamales covered with Fritos, beans, chopped beef barbeque, and no insignificant amount of cheese and onions. It all combines for one intense, yet strangely delightful flavor. Slayer, Kuma's Corner (Chicago, IL)This perpetually packed headbangers' hamburger heaven names their innovative burgers after metal bands (Black Sabbath, Mastodon, Pantera, etc). The Slayer might be the most hardcore of its offerings — a bunless spread composed of a 10 oz burger patty, chili, cherry peppers, melted Monterrey Jack, green onions and of course, ANGER (this is actually listed as the final ingredient on the menu). Tender Royale, Pepperfire (Nashville, TN)A relative newcomer to Nashville's hot chicken scene, Pepperfire does not withhold the heat when it comes to their take on the pan-fried, cayenne-crusted bird. Their most unique contribution, however, is the Tender Royale, a deep-fried grilled cheese with melted pepperjack oozing out the edges that is then topped with three sizable tongue-torching hot chicken tenders. The cayenne dusting lightly coats the bread of the grilled cheese for quite the taste sensation — fork and knife it, lest you make a bigger mess. The Big Woody, Billy's Blue Duck BBQ (Liberal, Kansas)A Liberal local favorite for barbecue, burgers and Tex-Mex offerings, Billy's is the home of the behemoth Big Woody — a 10-inch Hebrew National hot dog that's deep-fried, wrapped in a tortilla, and smothered in chili, cheese and onions (sour cream is optional).http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2013/november/best-weird-foods
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2013/november/best-weird-foodsThu, 14 November 2013 11:21:00 Weekly Web Edibles21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2013/october/friday-web-ediblesA few tasty links to what we've been reading of late. Grub Street provides a roadmap for out-of-town chefs trying to make it in New York. Han Chiang of Han Dynasty, Pok Pok's Andy Ricker and Danny Bowien of Mission Chinese are among the success stories cited. If you can make it there... LA Weekly spotlights The Glorious Greasy Foods of Los Angeles, including the Colosso burger from Mom's Burgers and tater tots at Fab Hot Dogs. The point is, ladies and gentleman, that grease, for lack of a better word, is good. Eater Chicago runs down some of the new features of upcoming Batali/Bastianich monstrosity Eataly Chicago. One of the unique amenities: a NUTELLA BAR. That's right. Nutella. Bar. Current and former New York Times critics weigh in on tipping, last meals, sending back food and more, via First We Feast. Pete Wells on his last meal: "I’d want a New York pizza, and I’d go to Totonno’s in Coney Island. Then I would get into my kayak and slip off into the ocean." The Daily Meal compiles a list of the 101 Best Pizzas in America. And the #1 ranking goes to ... The White Clam Pie at Frank Pepe's in New Haven (where they do love them some apizza — pronounced "Ah-beetz"). Rounding out the top 10 were pies from Di Fara (Brooklyn), Pizzeria Bianco (Phoenix), Una Pizza Napoletana (San Francisco), Pizzeria Mozza (LA), Roberta's (NYC), Sally's Apizza (New Haven), Flour + Water (San Francisco), Motorino (NYC), and Al Forno (Providence, RI). Frank Pepe's White Clam Piehttp://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2013/october/friday-web-edibles
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2013/october/friday-web-ediblesFri, 25 October 2013 14:15:00 12 Fantastic Hot Dog Spots across America21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2013/october/12-great-hot-dogs-spots-across-the-country-(1)As baseball’s ALCS and NLCS matchups have been set (alas, poor Bucs) and the end of the season nears, we can’t help incessantly thinking of ballpark food. And though everything from sushi to donut burgers and pulled pork parfaits are served at the stadium these days, there’s still nothing that compares with the simple pleasures of a ballpark dog. With the great American tubesteak on our minds, we’ve compiled a short list of some of our country’s best hot dog restaurants. From places steeped with tradition that have menus about three items long to new–school sausage sellers pushing the boundaries and breaking points of buns, these weineries are doing great things with one of our most iconic American foods. Biker Jim’s Gourmet Dogs (Denver, CO)Jim Pittenger (who indeed, does ride a Harley) quit his longtime gig repossessing cars to peddle exotic sausages on the streets of Denver. His wildly successful street carts eventually led to a brick-and-mortar store, featuring beyond-the-ordinary dog varieties such as elk with jalapeno cheddar, wild boar, rattlesnake and pheasant, and reindeer. Dirty Frank’s Hot Dog Palace (Columbus, OH)Innovative dogs and slushy drinks (which they’ll happily spike at the bar) have proved a winning combo for this kitschy Columbus tribute to all things tubesteak. Creative dog treatments include The Ohioana (topped with spicy corn relish and celery salt), Sarva’s Totcho Dog (tater tots, cheese sauce, onion and jalapeno) and the Seoul Dog (kimchee, mayo and a drizzling of sriracha). Fab Hot Dogs (Los Angeles, CA)Chef/owner Joe Fabrocini, a Garden State native, brings a little taste of Jersey to the West Coast with his signature Ripper: a specialty deep fried dog that’s best when topped with their Bald Eagle Sauce — a tangy mustard relish. Fab's also pays homage to LA’s most prevalent hot dog style with the LA Street Dog, a bacon-wrapped dog with grilled peppers and onion, mayo, mustard, ketchup and jalapeno. Gene &amp; Jude’s (River Grove, IL)“Relished since 1946,” this neon-lit throwback in the near west Chicago ‘burbs is almost as famous for their superb fresh-cut, fried-to-order spuds as they are for their no-frills Vienna Beef (what else?) dogs. The iconic Depression Dog comes topped with mustard, onions, relish, sport peppers and a handful of French fries. Gus’s Hot Dogs (Birmingham, AL)Opened in the late 1940s by Greek native Gus Alexander, the original downtown Gus's Hot Dog remains the archetype of the classic wonderful Birmingham dog: grilled with mustard, onions, and special sauce, the latter from Alexander's original recipe. Gray’s Papaya (New York, NY)Sometimes, amid all the hybrid pastry hysteria, $30 lobster rolls and aggressively sourced (and aggressively priced) farm-to-table fare that Manhattan's restaurants have to offer, a New Yorker just needs a hot dog. For those times, there's Gray's Papaya. A couple of perfectly grilled all-beef dogs with slightly crunchy casing on toasted buns accompanied by a non-alcoholic papaya drink won’t set you back much more than five bucks. Hot Doug’s (Chicago, IL)Get there early and prepare to wait in line at Doug Sohn's perennially popular lunchtime hot dog joint, Hot Doug's. And don't even dream about sending a member of your party to save seats. Their Chicago-style hot dog is textbook perfection with fresh tomato, sport peppers, a pickle spear and alarmingly bright green relish. Don't shy away from the sausages or the daily specials, though, such as a stellar wild boar sausage topped with crispy onions. I Dream of Weenie (Nashville, TN)Housed in an adorable yellow vintage VW van in the heart of East Nashville’s Five Points, I Dream of Weenie is damn near irresistible to passersby and peckish patrons of the bars across the street. The fiery Rebel Yelp displays local color, with Tennessee hot chow-chow, jalapeno and red onion, while Sunday brings their truly unique “Weenie Brunch,” featuring the Hashbrown Casserole Weenie and French Toast Weenie (a French-toasted bun with breakfast sausage, maple syrup and powdered sugar). Lafayette Coney Island (Detroit, MI)The story goes that the Coney Island - a hot dog covered in chili and onions - owes its existence to Greek immigrants Gust and William Keros, who opened American Coney Island and Lafayette Coney Island next door to one another in Detroit. At Lafayette, menu choices are simple: chili, fries, chili fries, loose hamburgers (burgers with the beef not packed into a patty, sometimes called a "loose") or the classic coney. Po Dog (Seattle, WA)Advertising “Hot wieners in sweet buns” — endless opportunities for bad puns are one of the many perks of the hot dog biz — Seattle’s Po Dogs serves up gourmet grilled dogs (Hebrew National beef, veggie or sausage) in brioche buns. A wide variety of toppings and an impressive lineup of specialty dogs include standouts such as the BLTA (the A for avocado) and the gut-busting, bacon-wrapped Deep Fried Danger Dog topped with sauteed onions and chili sauce. Pulliams Barbeque (Winston-Salem, NC)Though barbecue is in the name, Pulliams, open since 1910, is known foremost for its legendary hot dogs. The bright red hot dogs are topped with chili, creamy coleslaw, mustard and onions and placed in a bun toasted on the grill. Zack’s Hot Dogs (Burlington, NC)Zack's Hot Dogs has served up Carolina-style chili dogs to downtown Burlington since Zack Touloupas took over Alamance Hot Wienie Lunch in 1928. Could there be a more perfect lunch than a chili dog with slaw, wrapped in a slice of American cheese and washed down with a glass bottle of Cheerwine — sweet nectar of the Carolinas?http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2013/october/12-great-hot-dogs-spots-across-the-country-(1)
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2013/october/12-great-hot-dogs-spots-across-the-country-(1)Fri, 11 October 2013 10:15:00 National Taco Day Links21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2013/october/national-taco-dayHappy National Taco Day! Tacos continue trending towards global domination, and who are we to stand in their tortilla-wrapped way. Though the celebration of this quite possibly perfect food need not be relegated to one day, there's certainly been an outpouring of great taco-related content on the web today. Below are some tasty links paying tribute to the taco. Jonathan Gold of the LA Times came up with a fairly challenging taco quiz. Glad to know there's a minor league baseball team with a puffy taco for a mascot. There's no shortage of bacon love across the interwebs. But one gas station delicacy rarely given its proper due is the Choco Taco. The folks at Dude Foods have married their love of the former with the latter in a sinful, sweet-salty hybrid food with The Bacon Weave Choco Taco. Wow. Pete Wells weighs in on the pitfalls of the sit-down restaurant taco. Expectations for pricier restaurant tacos often cause problems, not to mention the time it takes tacos to get from the kitchen to your table. More reasons why the taco truck remains one of mankind's greatest achievements. Food &amp; Wine provides 24 taco recipes (warning: slideshow). Quite a photogenic foodstuff. Serious Eats guides you through the best tacos on Chicago's South Side. Following an introduction about the recent spat between LA and New York food writers about taco superiority (sorry, New York — you're not coming out on top of this one), The Village Voice names Five Spots for Great Tacos in NYC. Go forth and consume tacos, be they crunchy, soft, corn or flour tortilla, filled with goat, marlin, cactus, Korean BBQ or spaghetti.http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2013/october/national-taco-day
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2013/october/national-taco-dayFri, 04 October 2013 16:52:00 Local Restaurant Picks from the Cast and Crew of ABC's Nashville21240http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2013/september/where-the-cast-and-crew-of-abcs-nashville-eatsABC’s Nashville returned for its much-anticipated second season Wednesday night. And though (spoiler alert), there were no character casualties to season one’s cliff-hanger car crash, all signs point to a continuation of dramatic plot developments along the lines of love triangles, paternity issues, backroom political machinations, closeted cowboys and impromptu duets all over town. All the theatrics, singing and on-location staging must be exhausting to all involved, so we couldn’t help but wonder where the cast and crew eat, drink and re-fuel in Music City (aside from the craft service table) when they’re not on set. We surveyed a few parties on the inside to find out which restaurants the cast and crew frequent. Below are some of their favorites. Breakfast/Coffee Crema Downtown Rutledge Hill's Crema coffeehouse takes its expertly crafted coffee and espresso drinks seriously. Coffee beans come roasted from local purveyors, with pastries, sandwiches, bagels and quiche also locally produced. Fido Named in honor of its previous occupant (a pet store), this oft-packed, longtime Hillsboro Village staple boasts an excellent breakfast/brunch menu featuring the likes of fantastic breakfast burritos, the Huevos Cubano, and the always reliable Eggs McFido — scrambled eggs, choice of cheese (cheddar, Swiss or cream) on a bagel. Noshville Inspired by its New York City brethren down to a miniature Statue of Liberty on the roof of its Midtown location, native Nashville owner Tom Loventhal's Noshville aptly recreates the sights, sounds and most importantly the taste of a classic deli. Lunch/Casual Dining 12 South Taproom The Taproom is an ideal neighborhood spot for craft beers on tap, reliably good live music and expertly prepared pub food. Families, beer nerds and bearded cycling enthusiasts alike pack the funky indoor dining space and the sizable patio. Arnold's Kingpin caretaker of the meat-and-three genre, owner Jack Arnold has handed the reins to his son Kahlil, who oversees the daily activity at this unassuming iconic eatery just south of downtown. Shake a hand; make a friend at this place: You and your banana pudding-laden tray may be sharing a table in the cozy confines. Brown’s Diner Proudly serving “the coldest beer in town,” this classic Nashville trailer-turned-restaurant still turns out one fantastic burger — simple, unfussy and cooked medium-well on a griddle with plenty of character. A pitcher and a burger won’t set you back much here. Five Points Pizza East Nashville’s Five Points Pizza did a bang up job creating a cozy little bi-level space you'd want to sit down in and linger over a pie and a couple of beers. As for the excellent pizza itself, the thinnish, chewy yet slightly crispy crust really steals the show. Hattie B's Hot Chicken Hattie B's provides a convenient Midtown option for those wanting to take on Nashville's most beloved indigenous foodstuff: hot chicken. Though the quarter breast plate is the traditional way to go at most hot chicken joints, Hattie B's particularly excels with their sizable hot tenders (pro tip: ask for a bottle of honey). Mitchell Delicatessen This tiny Inglewood sandwich stalwart has cultivated a devoted following from East Nashville and beyond. The curried chicken salad, turkey bacon avocado and Asian flank steak sandwiches come highly recommended, though it’s difficult to go wrong. Dinner/ Upscale Dining Rolf and Daughters Rolf and Daughters has drawn early praise from the likes of Bon Appetit magazine for what chef-owner Philip Krajeck has described as 'modern peasant food.' What, pray tell, is modern peasant food? Think hearty, European-inspired, locally sourced fare. The sublime garganelli verde is not to be missed. City House City House sports multilevel seating and an expansive chef's table/main bar: all the better to watch James Beard Award-nominated chef/owner Tandy Wilson and crew work their magic with contemporary rustic Southern-influenced Italian cuisine in front of a wood-burning oven. Required eating: the octopus appetizer and belly ham pizza. The Southern Steak &amp; Oyster Named one of Esquire magazine's Best New Restaurants of 2012, The Southern manages to be country and citified at the same time, not unlike a lot of the hit tunes cut in Music City recording studios.http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2013/september/where-the-cast-and-crew-of-abcs-nashville-eats
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2013/september/where-the-cast-and-crew-of-abcs-nashville-eatsFri, 27 September 2013 15:58:00 11 Great American Donut Shops21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2013/september/donuts-across-americaThere may not be a more perfect food than donuts. But you need not sell your soul a la Homer Simpson just to get your hands on the ideal fried, glazed pastry. We've spotlighted some of the country's best donut shops, from classic mid-century spots that never change to places that are reinventing the donut as we know it, testing size limitations and piling on unorthodox toppings. The Buttermilk Drop (New Orleans, LA) You might recognize owner Dwight Henry from his role in the critically acclaimed film Beasts of the Southern Wild, but he's been a baker far longer than he's been in the acting game. Locals eagerly line up at his Seventh Ward restaurant, The Buttermilk Drop, for beignets, glazed donuts, king cakes, and most of all the signature buttermilk drops. Dominique Ansel Bakery (New York, NY) Whether you'd wait two hours for one or you're growing weary of the hype and media saturation, there's no denying that Cronuts, the much ballyhooed hybrid creation of former Daniel pastry chef Dominique Ansel, have made an indelible impression on the country's donut and pastry landscape. The Donut Hole Cafe &amp; Bakery (Destin, FL) When it comes to breakfast at the beach, there's nothing better than a box of donuts. This longtime Destin favorite is happy to satiate your early morning sugar cravings with red velvet, apple crumb, and vanilla and chocolate angels among popular choices. Locals swear by the key lime pie as well. Dough in the Box (Marietta, GA) Marietta hidden gem Dough in the Box is an old-school mom-and-pop donut shop owned by Jesus Balestena and his wife Diana — former customers of the same shop who liked it so much they bought the place. They open at 5 am daily to serve up their signature apple and blueberry fritters and sour cream old-fashioned donuts (these sell out quickly). Dynamo Donut &amp; Coffee (San Francisco, CA) Specializing in raised yeast cake doughnuts, ever-popular Dynamo Donut &amp; Coffee may be best known for its maple-glazed apple doughnut topped with crispy bacon bits. Other inventive varieties include Chocolate Star Anise, Lemon Sichuan, and Molasses Guiness Pear. Gourdough’s (Austin, TX) Gourdough's doles out some of the world's wackiest donuts from a vintage Airstream Trailer to the delight of Austin's late-night noshers. These fried-to-order monster donuts come in flavors such as The Carney (apple pie filling, cream cheese icing, caramel and peanuts), Heavenly Hash, and the Mother Clucker (topped with fried chicken strips and honey butter). Home Cut Donuts (Joliet, IL)In the far southwest suburbs of Chicago, Joliet's Homecut Donuts, founded in 1966, delivers everything you'd want in a classic, old-school donut shop. Kids, old men reading the paper at the counter and hipsters looking for a late-night bite all adore Home Cut, particularly their glazed cherry cake donuts, apricot-filled donuts and angel cream eclairs (pictured below). Mighty-O Donuts (Seattle, WA) Cholesterol-free vegan donuts?? Don't declare "blasphemy!" until you've taken on one of the dense heavyweights at Seattle's Mighty-O Donuts. These decidedly non-wimpy donuts come in varieties such as French toast, coconut-topped chocolate (the Don King), and pumpkin-spice (available seasonally). Nickel Diner (Los Angeles, CA) Fashioned into a 1940s-style diner, Nickel Diner draws crowds of hungry hungry hipsters and downtown brunchers with its quick service, bottomless cups of coffee and solid diner fare. Their delicious, hefty Maple Bacon Donut has garnered attention and accolades from many food publications, but don’t sleep on their Irish Car Bomb Donut (pictured below) filled with whiskey-cream. Tato-Nut (Ocean Springs, MS)Family owned and operated by the Mohlers since 1960, Tato Nut in downtown Ocean Springs survived Katrina (much to the relief of its many devotees), although you can still buy oblong "Katrina Pieces" from the pastry case. Locals happily line up out the door for their unique potato-based donuts, from their classic glazed to Persians, a cinnamony honey bun-like treat. Voodoo Doughnut (Portland, OR) Piling up accolades from countless magazines, TV shows and frosting fanboys, Portland's Voodoo Doughnut just may be the world's most famous donut shop at the moment. In large part responsible for the trend of new-school donuts with outrageous toppings and flavor combinations, Voodoo features the likes of Bacon Maple Bars, cereal-topped donuts, and the raspberry-filled, chocolate-frosting topped voodoo doll-shaped donut.http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2013/september/donuts-across-america
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2013/september/donuts-across-americaFri, 13 September 2013 11:51:00 Noodling on Nashville: 8 Unique Music City Noodle Dishes21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2013/august/nashville-noodlesComfort food need not be limited to Nashville's many meat and threes. Nor are hot chicken joints the only place to get a thorough tongue torching in town. Sometimes, there's nothing more satisfying than a plate of noodles or an oversized bowl of noodle soup. From Nolensville Road and Antioch to Charlotte Ave, East Nashville and beyond, Nashville has a wide variety of quality Asian restaurants, new and old. Below are some of our favorite slurpable meals in town. Yaki-Udon, Soy Teriyaki Bistro: Nothing against the regular menu at Brentwood's Korean/Japanese standout Soy Bistro, which includes great Korean tacos, curried fried rice, and teriyaki dishes with their excellent house made sauce, but the daily specials tend to steal the show. Monday brings their addictive yaki-udon, with tender, thick udon noodles topped with edamame, carrots, broccoli, onion and a light spicy sauce. Pad Kee Mao, Thai Phooket: Decisions can be difficult at "Stadium Thai" (as some refer to it), with an extensive menu and tasty renditions of Massaman curry, cashew nut chicken and a spicy mango basil stir-fry. But their drunken noodles, a good measuring stick for any Thai restaurant, are exemplary, with a heapin' helpin' of wide rice noodles laden with garlic and basil goodness, topped with a ton of vegetables, and packing plenty of heat. Tom Yum Hot Pot, PS Noodle Pot: Noodle lovers in-the-know take no issue with trekking to Antioch's PS Noodle Pot. Large plated noodle dishes such as spicy Thai lo mein and chicken with peanut sauce over pan-fried rice noodles are fantastic, but the oversized clay pots filled with noodle soups are the biggest draw — the lemony Tom Yum with fresh herbs and vegetables stands out in particular. (ba mee nam noodle soup) Bun Thit Nuong, Far East: The perfect remedy for a sweltering Nashville summer day, Far East's cold vermicelli bowl with grilled pork is chock-full of fresh herbs and flavor. Bonus points for the adorable tiny spring rolls garnishes. Khao Soi, Siam Cuisine: A unique Northern Thai curry noodle soup that you won't find everywhere, the khao soi at Siam Cuisine (sister restaurant of Siam Cafe, which introduced much of Nashville to Thai cuisine) consists of pickled mustard greens, scallions, bean sprouts, cilantro and chicken. It's topped with crunchy egg noodles and raw red onion, resulting in a delightful combination of textures and deep curry flavor. Malaysian Noodles, King Market: Yet another victory for Antioch noodle enthusiasts, Thai/Laotian grocery/restaurant King Market should appear on any adventurous Nashville eater's bucket list — frog legs, fish maw soup, fried quail and a few other items that require translation appear on the menu. Their delicious Malaysian take on pad see-ew consists of broad rice noodles served with chicken and small Lao pork sausages in an earthy soy sauce base. Hotheads might consider the deathly fiery (if requested that way) kao soy. Unlike the curry-like version of this dish mentioned above, the Lao rendition is a beef broth with ground pork, scallions, greens, cilantro, thick flat rice noodles, and an ungodly amount of chilies. India Curry Noodle, International Market - Long before Arnold Myint was making food TV appearances and opening trendy fusion restaurants all over town, his not-so-shy mother Patti was running the show at Nashville's longest tenured Asian restaurant. Tempting as the glass noodles and curry egg rolls of the steam table may be, your best bet is the made-to-order Thai menu, which offers drunken noodles, Singapore rice noodles, and the seemingly bottomless India curry noodle. A delicate balance of spicy and sweet (that would be the coconut milk), this curry noodle soup will cure what ails ya. Pad Thai, Peter's Sushi &amp; Thai: Yeah, yeah. We all have that haughty foodie friend who will taunt us unmercifully for being so predictable as to order pad Thai instead of something more atypical. But sometimes, it's just the right order, damnit. Peter's rendition is among the best in town, with chicken, shrimp, egg, a subtle tamarind sauce, and compartmentalized toppings to be added at your own discretion — sprouts, scallions, peanuts and red pepper. Great bowls of fire! (kao soy from King Market)http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2013/august/nashville-noodles
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2013/august/nashville-noodlesThu, 29 August 2013 17:00:00 LocalEats Spotlights Old-School and New-School Southern Restaurants21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2013/august/localeats-spotlights-old-school-and-new-school-southern-restaurants-(1)John Egerton, author of Southern Food, writes, “The best of Southern food, as it has evolved through the centuries, has been passed down and modified and expanded from one generation to the next.” We're highlighting just a few of the many great Southern restaurants in quintessentially Southern cities in this piece, honoring both the storied, old-school Dave's Seafood and Carry-Out, Charleston, SC icons and the innovative, contemporary restaurants of the genre. As Egerton says, “Whatever else they may have to offer, many Southerners can still set a fine table and surround it with conversation and laughter and love.” No matter the generation they were born into, good food and gracious hospitality are the threads common to these restaurants, each a worthy representation of the region. AtlantaMary Mac’s Tea Room - Open since 1945, Midtown's time-honored Mary Mac's Tea Room remains a Southern cooking institution for the likes of pork roast and cornbread dressing, braised oxtails, a list of fresh vegetables that numbers in double-digits, and house-made desserts. Restaurant Eugene – With its star now firmly affixed in the Atlanta sky, Restaurant Eugene’s meat and fish dishes from much-heralded chef Linton Hopkins can include guinea hen with spoon bread puree and seared grouper. Birmingham, ALThe Bright Star - The Bright Star opened in 1907 as a small café and has remained in its same welcoming location in south suburban Bessemer since 1914. Greek- and Creole-influenced steak and seafood dishes are the stars here, both reasonably priced compared to their chain competitors. Highlands Grille – Oh, let us count the ways in which this restaurant has pleased diners and inspired cooks around the country since 1982 with its French-influenced Southern dishes, not the least of which is the stone ground baked grits with country ham and fresh thyme, a staple on the menu for years. Charleston, SCDave’s Seafood and Carry-Out - Fried seafood, and fantastic fried shrimp in particular, have set Dave's Seafood Carry-Out apart since 1987. Non-fried seafood options and vegetable sides vary daily. Husk - Sean Brock’s temple to all foods Southern has been a smashing success and is frequently mentioned among the country’s elite restaurants since opening in 2010 — a Nashville branch just popped up this year as well. Begin with snacks and starters such as crispy pig ear lettuce wraps or pimento cheese and griddle cakes. Greenwood, MSLusco’s – If walls could talk, this Greenwood favorite might reveal all kinds of colorful stories about the deals and conversations that have taken place in the privacy of its curtained booths since 1933. And maybe those walls could give us the recipe for Lusco’s wonderful pompano as well. Delta Bistro - Chef-proprietor and artist Taylor Bowen Ricketts creates beautiful food and art inspired by her life in Mississippi and the memories of her family’s Louisiana kitchen. Try anything that’s offered with the delicious Comeback Sauce. New Orleans, LAGalatoire’s - At Galatoire’s, the grand dame of New Orleans cuisine, the word is tradition and their shrimp remoulade is a favorite in Crescent City. This award-winning restaurant continues to serve outstanding French Creole food under the direction of the restaurant's fourth-generation family-members. Willie Mae’s Scotch House – The reopening of long-standing Willie Mae’s Scotch House after hurricane Katrina represented a spiritual renewal for the city. Locals and visitors alike clamor for the city's most superlative fried chicken and Southern mainstays such as butter beans and rice. Extra credit: watch Joe York’s excellent film on Willie Mae’s post-Katrina rebuild. Cochon – With its rustic and inviting ambiance, this "swine"-dining establishment is a great example of the city's true Southern appeal. (They even have real moonshine.) The boucherie plate is a must-try, as is the signature roasted Gulf fish "fisherman’s style”. Nashville, TNArnold’s Country Kitchen – Kingpin caretaker of the meat-and-three genre, owner Jack Arnold has handed the reins to his son Kahlil, who oversees the daily activity at this unassuming eatery just south of downtown. Shake a hand; make a friend at this place: You and your banana pudding-laden tray may be sharing a table family-style in the cozy confines. The Southern - The Southern manages to be country and citified and the same time, not unlike a lot the hit tunes cut in Music City recording studios. Fast becoming a menu favorite is the wood-fired double cut pork chop with red onion marmalade. Savannah, GAMrs. Wilkes' Dining Room – Sema Wilkes took over a boarding house in 1943 and transformed it into one of historic downtown’s Savannah’s most iconic restaurants. Now entering its 7th decade, Sema’s great-grandson Ryon Thompson has taken the reigns, and locals and tourists alike still line up for their famed fried chicken and family-style Southern lunches. Local 11 Ten – Housed in a restored 1950’s bank building in downtown Savannah, stylish and striking Local 11 Ten features the locally sourced Southern cuisine of executive chef Brandy Williamson. Seasonally changing menus may offer seared sea scallops with peach preserves and pickled ramps, or North Carolina frog legs with succotash and bacon.http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2013/august/localeats-spotlights-old-school-and-new-school-southern-restaurants-(1)
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2013/august/localeats-spotlights-old-school-and-new-school-southern-restaurants-(1)Fri, 16 August 2013 14:13:00 The Best of Los Angeles Dining21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2013/august/the-best-of-los-angeles-diningGood news, Angelenos and SoCal food scenesters: We've revised and updated our list of the best locally owned Los Angeles restaurants. Following the new additions, we now include over 600 restaurants in the greater Los Angeles area from North LA to Orange County and beyond. Our LA Top 100 also received a complete makeover, with 28 new restaurants that are listed below. Alma The Apple Pan Bestia Bludso's BBQ Chichen Itza Cooks County Guisados Fig The Hart and the Hunter Hinoki &amp; The Bird Kobawoo Little Dom's Lukshon Mayura The Musso &amp; Frank Grill Nickel Diner Night + Market Pann's Parks Barbeque Picca Racion Rustic Canyon Sea Harbour Son of a Gun Sotto Spago Superba Snack Bar Tar &amp; Roses Tsujita LA Artisan Noodles The Maple Bacon Donut from Nickel Diner Father's Office in Santa Monica (our choice for Best Gastropub and one of the best burgers in town)http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2013/august/the-best-of-los-angeles-dining
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2013/august/the-best-of-los-angeles-diningTue, 13 August 2013 12:35:00 Considering the Cronut, Ramen Burger and Hybrid Foods21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2013/august/considering-the-cronut-and-hybrid-foodsIf you've spent more than 10 minutes on the internet in the past couple of months, you've more than likely come across the term "Cronut." This croissant/donut hybrid is the invention of James Beard-nominated pastry chef Dominique Ansel, whose eponymous bakery has scores of New Yorkers lined up outside its doors as early as 6 am every morning (it opens at 8 am). In addition to the ludicrously long lines, Cronuts seem to have been crammed into every last nook and cranny of the internet and social media worlds, with Instagram users boasting of their hard-earned breakfast, and news of knockoffs popping up everywhere — Ansel was wise to get an international trademark on the term. The lines for Cronuts won't be dissipating anytime soon, but the hybrid food hype machine is moving on to the next big thing already: the Shoyu Ramen Burger. A burger that's sandwiched between compacted fried ramen noodle patties in lieu of a bun, the Ramen Burger is the creation of chef Keizo Shimamoto. Though it knows no home as of yet, the Ramen Burger debuted at Brooklyn's Smorgasburg, and unsurprisingly, it resulted in huge lines and ended up selling out (only 150 were available). Much like the inevitable Christmas craze over the must-have children's toy of the year, the strategy of releasing a limited amount seems to whip people into a frenzy. For those interested (and patient), you'll have another shot at trying one at Smorgasburg tomorrow. The Cronut and Ramen Burger may represent the higher end of hybrid foods, deemed worthy of praise from food publications and the admiration of food-trend-following cool kids. But we've seen the fast food world trot out some attention-grabbing unholy combinations in recent years as well, with the KFC Double Down, Dunkin' Donuts donut sandwiches, and Taco Bell's Doritos Locos Tacos — admittedly, the 17-year old in me demanded I try the latter out (the Cool Ranch wins but is still plenty weird). Perhaps more so than with the boutique hybrid foods, these fast-food creations rely on shock value and are absurdly unhealthy, which is part of the novelty. Not that a Cronut is part of a well-balanced breakfast exactly, but it's not cheese and bacon sandwiched between fried chicken patties either. Other hybrid foods capturing the public's imagination and stomachs of late include Korean tacos — perhaps the greatest success story among food amalgamations — and spaghetti tacos in the home kitchen (sigh ... kids these days). Everyone's asking "What's next?", but perhaps a better question is how far will this thing go? Nothing against creativity in the kitchen or restaurants succeeding with something new — it's a tough business. There's definitely some admirable innovation going on with these foods, but it seems that the internet hype, the long lines, and the limited supply are driving the mania. It also could be culturally problematic that the act of smashing seemingly incongruous foods together is being treated with the same excitement and reverance as a scientific breakthrough or technological achievement. As far as restaurants go, one potential concern with the hybrid food craze is that soon we'll see more restaurants focusing on outrageous food combinations backed by shrewd marketing teams. Restaurants might try to catch lightning in a bottle and spend more resources on creating the groundswell than actually running their restaurants well. And even if they succeed, the food media and hipster foodies will eventually move on to the next buzzed-about thing. How many people today do you think would admit to/be proud of having waited an hour for cupcakes five or six years ago? Time will tell if these hybrids end up being the new cupcakes. Or maybe New Yorkers just have a higher tolerance for waiting in lines, so long as they can say they did. But I digress. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go secure a trademark for my pumpkin-pancake-battered corn dogs (Halloweenies?).http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2013/august/considering-the-cronut-and-hybrid-foods
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2013/august/considering-the-cronut-and-hybrid-foodsFri, 09 August 2013 16:15:00 LocalEats Visits the Summer's Hottest Travel Destinations21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2013/july/best-restaurants-in-the-summers-hottest-travel-destinationsWhen we learned about Time’s "10 Best Travel Destinations This Summer", we thought we’d send out a few LocalEats dining suggestions. These places will certainly serve up a memorable meal, and they’ll give you a taste of the local culture as well. btw - LocalEats is proud to be named one of "Departures" magazine’s Top Travel Apps. New York City Katz’s Delicatessen $$The best deli in a city known for delis, this pastrami lover’s paradise is a timeless NYC institution and a great place to experience the energy that the city is known for. Di Fara Pizza $$Though it’s a bit of a hike out to Midwood, it’s well-worth a pizza pilgrimage to sample the outstanding, old-school pies crafted painstakingly by the legendary Domenico De Marco. Note that Di Fara is usually closed from about 4:30 pm-6 pm, when Mr. De Marco takes a nap. Every genius needs his sleep. Grand Central Station Oyster Bar $$$The freshest seafood you’ve ever eaten is guaranteed in this magnificent old-school oyster shrine. Chinatown Ice Cream Factory $Expand your culinary horizons when you sample the delicious ice creams offered at this family-run, unofficial Chinatown landmark that offers mint chip, lychee, dragon fruit, and red bean flavors. Chicago Manny’s Coffee Shop &amp; Deli $$One of Chicago's most iconic restaurants, Manny's is legendary for its corned beef, brisket and pastrami, accompanied with sides of crisp potato pancakes and served cafeteria-style. They do a solid breakfast business as well with thick challah French toast, matzo brei, buttermilk pancakes and three-egg omelets. Al's No 1 Italian Beef $The little stand on Taylor Street serves up the definitive rendition of the Italian beef sandwich, one of Chicago's most iconic foods. The Purple Pig $$$Celebrated Magnificent Mile masterstroke The Purple Pig, a collaboration of chefs Scott Harris of Mia Francesca, Tony Mantuano of Spiaggia,and Jimmy Bannos and Jimmy Bannos Jr. of Heaven on Seven, features house-made charcuterie, cheeses and innovative Mediterranean fare. Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria $$Perhaps the greatest cultural contribution of the city is Chicago-style deep dish pizza. Lou Malnati, using the family recipe dating from the '40s, opened his flagship restaurant in 1971. Washington D.C. Florida Ave Grill $$If you're looking to start your day with granola and Greek yogurt, this landmark Washington, DC soul food spot, open since 1944, is probably not your kind of place. The rest of us will gladly wait in line for a red stool at the counter for heapin’ helpings of hot cakes, biscuits and sausage gravy, three-egg omelets, and spicy half smoke and eggs. Ben’s Chili Bowl $A Washington, DC landmark since 1958, Ben's Chili Bowl has been known locally and nationally for its chili half-smokes, chili dogs, chili and milkshakes even before President Obama became a regular. Tabard Inn $$$The stellar weekend brunch features freshly fried doughnuts, oysters on the half shell, pancakes, French toast, eggs Benedict and jumbo lump crab cakes among the extensive a la carte offerings. Hank’s Oyster Bar $$$Chef-owner Jamie Leeds serves some of the area's finest oysters on the half shell, fried oysters, shrimp and oyster po-boys and crab cake dinner's at Hank's Oyster Bar, a local favorite since 2005. Fort Lauderdale La Bonne Crepe $The delicious and reasonably priced breakfast dishes, including a variety of fresh fruit crepes, can be enjoyed indoors or out at this local favorite. Southport Raw Bar $$A Fort Lauderdale staple since the early 1970s, Southport's character is as much a star attraction as its classic seafood and drink specials. Café Seville $$$Run by a congenial husband-and-wife team, this quaint but colorful little eatery maintains a neighborhood, off-the-beaten-path feel. When in doubt, go with the signature seafood paella for two, loaded with fresh red snapper, shrimp, scallops, calamari, mussels, clams and Spanish saffron rice. Coconuts Waterside Grill $$At this high-energy intracoastal waterway spot everything draws raves, from the coconut shrimp and the ribs to the brunch specialties. Orlando Black Bean Deli, a Cuban Cafe $One of Orlando's worst-kept secrets, Black Bean Deli has been bringing its down-home island fare to the Winter Park neighborhood for more than two decades. Hot Dog Heaven $Presenting celestial wonders in the form of near foot-long, naturally cased beef franks, Hot Dog Heaven on Colonial Drive has been serving authentic Chicago-style dogs in Orlando since 1987. FishBones $$$Highly acclaimed seafood spot FishBones features fresh fish that can include red snapper, domestic black grouper, wild Scottish salmon and Chilean sea bass. Citrus Restaurant $$$For a contemporary take on Central Florida’s culinary heritage, visit this beautiful dining room. Bananas $$In case you thought Orlando is just for the kiddies, check out the Sunday Gospel Drag Queen Brunch at Bananas. Live a little. You’re on vacation.http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2013/july/best-restaurants-in-the-summers-hottest-travel-destinations
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2013/july/best-restaurants-in-the-summers-hottest-travel-destinationsWed, 03 July 2013 13:52:00 Nashville's Hot Chicken Festival21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2013/july/nashvilles-hot-chicken-festivalIn Nashville, the 4th of July means more than fireworks, burgers, beer and patriotic paraphernalia (all wonderful things, of course). Nashvillians take the time to celebrate the good ol' red, white, blue, and orange. The latter of course, signifies the 4th annual Music City Hot Chicken Festival held in East Park from 11 am–3 pm. Almost all of the area's purveyors of the painfully delicious hot yard bird will be present, from the granddaddy of them all, Prince's Hot Chicken (here's a recent interview we did with André Prince Jeffries) to Bolton's, Pepperfire, Hattie B's, 400 Degrees, and Smack Your Mama Chicken. A few bites and you'll be running to the Yazoo beer tent, or perhaps better the Pied Piper Creamery stand, which will more likely soothe your torched tongue. Sure, there may be thunderstorms, but the festival typically takes place in hundred-degree heat, so be thankful that you won't be sweating (as much) while crying with a cayenne-caked face (not a good look for most). For hot chicken newbies, we'll review the basic beginner's mantra: If you think you want hot, go for the medium. If you think you want medium, go for the mild. The rest of you should well know what you're getting yourselves into, though it varies from vendor to vendor. It's not a terrible idea to bring water or extra napkins. Have a happy and safe 4th! A poster from last year's event Hot stuff comin' through (from 400 Degrees)http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2013/july/nashvilles-hot-chicken-festival
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2013/july/nashvilles-hot-chicken-festivalWed, 03 July 2013 13:51:00 The Best of Dallas Dining21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2013/june/the-best-of-dallas-diningGood news, dining devotees of the Big D. We’ve revised and updated our list of the best locally owned restaurants in Dallas. Mind you, this was no mere small shuffling of restaurants. Our Top 100 Dallas Restaurants list got a major makeover to the tune of 30+ restaurants representing multiple cuisines, price ranges and neighborhoods. New to the Dallas Top 100 are the following restaurants. The Alligator Café Boulevardier Carbone’s Crossroads Diner Dish Driftwood El Ranchito Five Sixty FT33 JS Chen’s BBQ Kalachandji’s Lockhart Smokehouse Maple &amp; Motor The Meddlesome Moth Mughlai’s Fine Indian Cuisine Norma’s Café Off the Bone Barbeque The Old Monk Parigi Pecan Lodge Royal China S&amp;D Oyster Company Si Tapas Sissy’s Southern Kitchen &amp; Bar Spiral Diner Spoon Bar &amp; Kitchen Stampede 66 Sushi Axiom The Tried and True Veracruz Café Wingfield’s Breakfast &amp; Bar The Zodiac As always, you can find these great Dallas restaurants on our iPhone and iPad apps, but we’d be remiss not to mention that LocalEats is now available for Android devices. Take it for a spin at Google Play.http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2013/june/the-best-of-dallas-dining
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2013/june/the-best-of-dallas-diningWed, 26 June 2013 16:25:00 Eating your Way to Bonnaroo21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2013/june/restaurants-on-the-way-to-bonnarooIn two days, some 85,000 or so music fans will find their way to a field in Manchester, TN, a town of only 10,000, for the 12th annual Bonnaroo Music Festival. With acts ranging from Paul McCartney, R. Kelly and Björk to “Weird Al” Yankovic and DJ Jazzy Jeff, this year’s lineup is drawing rave reviews. Of course, there is the all-important issue of getting there, and with the road trip, there are ample opportunities for food adventures along the way. Let us provide a few resources and recommendations for your trip. Most routes to Bonnaroo involve long stretches on I-24, which means northerly visitors will be travelling through Nashville. If you’re up for a pit stop, here’s out list of Nashville’s best locally owned restaurants. The interstate will take you around downtown Nashville, which boasts plenty of great dining options. If you’re looking to try Nashville’s most famed indigenous food, hot chicken, Bolton’s Spicy Chicken and Fish in East Nashville is only a few blocks from I-24. If you’d rather not get bogged down in Nashville proper, the southern suburb of Antioch offers some fantastic Asian eateries with easy interstate access, most notably P.S. Noodle Pot, King Market and Hai Woon Dai. Malaysian noodles from King Market Further south on I-24 and along Highway 96, there are a healthy number of Murfreesboro restaurants worth a visit. For quality down-home southern fare, there's Kleer-Vu Lunchroom and the longstanding City Cafe for breakfast, burgers and other diner standards. Five Senses remains Murfreesboro's torch-bearer for chef-driven, upscale contemporary cuisine. For those travelling north to Bonnaroo, I-24 will take you through Chattanooga. Here's our list of great locally owned Chattanooga restaurants. Some of our favorites that aren't too far off the highway include Blacksmith's Gastropub, Mt Vernon, Rib &amp; Loin Bar-B-Que, Champy's (for fried chicken, tamales and cold beer) and The Terminal Brewhouse, which sports a great rooftop garden patio. For local color and small town charm (and by small, we mean tiny), there's the Bell Buckle Cafe in historic "downtown" Bell Buckle, just about 15 miles outside of Manchester. Those who take a detour to visit the Jack Daniel's distillery in Lynchburg shouldn't pass up a southern family-style feast at Miss Mary Bobo's Boarding House Restaurant. As for food at the festival itself, it's worth mentioning that BBQ all-star team The Fatback Collective will be dishing up choice smoked meats to fortunate festival goers. Among team members are some of the nation's premiere pitmasters, including Rodney Scott of Scott's Bar-B-Q (Hemingway, SC) — one of our 20 Best BBQ Restaurants in America — and Pat Martin of Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint in Nolensville, TN. Safe travels! Drink lots of water. Peace, love and barbecue.http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2013/june/restaurants-on-the-way-to-bonnaroo
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2013/june/restaurants-on-the-way-to-bonnarooTue, 11 June 2013 10:00:00 Eating around Nashville's CMA Fest 21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2013/june/restaurants-and-dining-around-nashville-for-cma-festivalCMA Fest activities kick off today, meaning some 70,000 (give or take) country music enthusiasts will be descending upon downtown Nashville. Walking around in cowboy boots in the oppressive Music City heat can make a fan famished, and one cannot live on corn dogs and funnel cakes alone. So let us point you in the direction of some great locally owned downtown dining destinations — some of which will help you avoid crowds. For starters, here's our complete list of Nashville's best restaurants, which are listed by proximity to the center of the city (downtown). If you have suitable transportation and some time blocked out for putzing about town, you can explore our list of Nashville's Top 100 Restaurants. For lunch, do as the local business crowd does, and wander down to the historic Arcade. There you'll find Nashville's best purveyor of New York style pizza, Manny's House of Pizza. The Greek Touch is another great option in the Arcade (closed Sat-Sun). One off-the-beaten-path gem that will likely go unnoticed by most tourists is Rae's Gourmet Sandwich Shoppe on Union (near 5th Ave), serving up wonderful specialty sandwiches on crusty French bread (also closed Sat-Sun). If you're braving the crowds on Broadway, Jack's Bar-B-Que remains one of Nashville's finest purveyors of smoked meats. Their will likely be a line, but it tends to move fast. No extended stay in downtown Nashville would be complete without at least one trip to Robert's Western World. Though the food takes a back seat to the always great traditional country music, the short order cooks whip up a pretty mean cheeseburger with crinkle fries. And what's not to love about the Recession Special: $5 for a fried bologna sandwich, chips, a PBR and a Moon Pie. Just off Broadway and directly across from Bridgestone Arena (yet under the radar still), there's the brand new Pub 5, offering fantastic views from their rooftop patio as well as an excellent selection of craft beers. If you're looking for something a little more upscale, make a reservation at The Southern Steak &amp; Oyster Bar in the Pinnacle Building, one of Nashville's hottest restaurants. If you can't get in for dinner, they do a great brunch as well. Chef Deb Paquette's Etch is one of downtown's premiere restaurant also, and they have free valet parking (no small deal in a CMA Fest parking situation). The roasted cauliflower appetizer is an absolute must try, and their lunch menu is refreshingly affordable. Of course, when speaking of elite downtown Nashville restaurants, we'd be remiss not to mention The Capitol Grille in the Hermitage Hotel, which never fails to impress — at the very least stop in for a cocktail at the Oak Bar. LP Field hosts the biggest shows of the weekend, and there's a few options across the river within walking distance. Oversized, fish-bowls beers, giant pretzels, polka (on weekends), and a generally festive beer hall atmosphere make the Gerst Haus a prime pre-gaming spot. Lesser known is the stadium-adjacent Thai Phooket, which excels with noodle dishes and their excellent Massaman curry. Finally, if you need to a quiet drink away from the crowds and some rejuvenating pub grub, we'd recommend Fleet Street Pub in Printer's Alley — try the Hatton Cross Hot Hen, a variation on Nashville's most famous foodstuff, hot chicken. When it comes to avoiding the Broadway madness, Past Perfect usually does the trick, with a relaxed locals vibe, creative infused vodkas and flat-iron steak sandwiches.http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2013/june/restaurants-and-dining-around-nashville-for-cma-festival
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2013/june/restaurants-and-dining-around-nashville-for-cma-festivalWed, 05 June 2013 00:00:00 Catching up with André Prince Jeffries of Prince's Hot Chicken21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2013/may/catching-up-with-andre-prince-jeffries-of-princes-hot-chickenA little over two weeks ago, Prince’s Hot Chicken received the prestigious America’s Classics Award from the James Beard Foundation. My colleague and I sat down with the queen of cayenne herself, André Prince Jeffries, to inquire about the award and her trip to New York for the ceremony. I won’t delve into the oft-told story of hot chicken, save to say that it’s Nashville’s one truly indigenous food and inarguably the tastiest dish ever devised for purposes of revenge. If you need a refresher course, start with this excellent short film by the Southern Foodways Alliance and Joe York. Here are a few highlights and factoids gleaned from of our interview with André, which was, of course, a pretty flimsy excuse to devour some soul nourishing, painfully delicious hot chicken. On the overall experience of winning a James Beard Award: “Exhilarating! ‘Course it hasn’t hit me yet and my bank account doesn’t know it. But exhilarating.” Prince’s is not going anywhere: André brought a crew of 11 including her daughters, niece and grandchildren to New York for the ceremony. Andre’s niece, Kim Prince, who helps André with media inquiries and technology, accidentally caused a mild uproar when she posted the following on the Prince’s Facebook page about their upcoming trip: “Is NYC ready for HOT CHICKEN's Royal Family? The Princes of Music City are on the way!” Immediately, a few panicked Nashvillians begged the Princes not to relocate. Meanwhile, excited Nashville ex-pats and hot chicken enthusiasts in and around New York urged the Princes to “Bring it on!” Even at the airport, strangers recognized André, and seeing her family in tow, gave them the third degree to make sure they planned on coming back. Arriving in style: André and her party kept photographers at the Beard Awards waiting, but it was not a diva-like attempt to show up fashionably late. It was their cab driver’s first day on the job, and he had no clue how to find Broadway (rougher days may be ahead for this fellow). After the cabbie repeatedly asked THEM for directions, the Princes eventually got out and walked a good ways to the event. Receiving the royal treatment: At the awards ceremony André was treated much like a celebrity as Marcus Samuelsson, Emeril Lagasse, Mario Batali and more rolled out the red carpet for her – check out the great photo on the right of the latter two and André (from Prince's Hot Chicken's Facebook page.) Celebrities and notable food personalities that have darkened the doorway of Prince’s in recent years: Thomas Keller (of The French Laundry), Guy Fieri (who brings his family in on a semi-regular basis), Adam Richman (of Man vs. Food fame), Top Chef’s Carla Hall, and Tom Parker Bowles (son of Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall). Sean Brock, of Husk in Charleston (and now Nashville), is a big fan of Prince’s as well. At this year’s Charleston Food + Wine Festival, he prepared every item on the menu for André. “I was like a wagon wheel going out of there,” recalls André. Jerry Seinfeld stopped in after a recent TPAC performance and hung out at Prince’s for over an hour, talking with everyone in the restaurant. He went with the mild (not too shocking), but he did try a bite of his associate’s hot, to which he remarked, “That’s suicide.” In a bizarre coincidence more fitting of his epoynymous scripted sitcom, Seinfeld ran into a former chaffeur of his from many years ago in LA — only at Prince's. “It’s not negotiable right now.” The phone at Prince’s still rings off the hook with people making all kinds of offers for the secret family recipe — they even receive requests from overseas. This is the all-purpose answer given to quiet the many voices. Milk and ice cream: For those afflicted with a seemingly unquenchable hot chicken-torched tongue, the Princes suggest milk, buttermilk and ice cream. Many guests swear by lemonade. Chicken vision: Moments after sitting down with us, André accurately identified the spice levels of our hot chicken merely by looking at it. (Two differing heat levels were represented on our plates.) Late-night at Prince’s: André typically works the night shift at Prince’s, including the breakneck 4 am Friday and Saturday night shifts. Describing the always lively and sometimes raucous environment, her daughter Simone, a veteran of the kitchen at Prince’s, says “It’s like being in Night Court.” Hazardous materials: It’s a rookie mistake to touch or wipe your eyes after coming into contact with hot chicken, but imagine how difficult it is for the employees. Simone told us that keeping the cayenne off their skin is a struggle, and it involves wearing gloves at all times and sometimes even a breathing mask. As glamorous as a night at the James Beard Awards, interviews in Garden &amp; Gun and other publications, and speaking engagements at food festivals may seem, it’s still hard (and sometimes painful) work for everyone involved in keeping the restaurant afloat. But it’s a labor of love, and André mentioned multiple times that she’s most proud of having kept it in the family all these years.http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2013/may/catching-up-with-andre-prince-jeffries-of-princes-hot-chicken
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2013/may/catching-up-with-andre-prince-jeffries-of-princes-hot-chickenThu, 23 May 2013 15:17:00 Birmingham's Top Dining Spots21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2013/may/birminghams-top-dining-spotsWe're thrilled to announce that we've released our revamped and expanded list of Birmingham's best restaurants of 2013. Birmingham may not possess as many restaurants as Atlanta or get the "Nowville" acclaim of Nashville from trendy magazine spreads, but it's inarguably one of the South's best dining destinations (if not the best), boasting some heavy hitters in the restaurant world with serious Southern chops. From superstar restaurateur/cookbook author Frank Stitt's acclaimed restaurants (Highlands Bar and Grill, Bottega, Chez Fon Fon) to fantastic barbecue (Big Daddy's, Saw's, Bob Sykes and more), great pizza (Bettola) and contemporary Southern dining (Hot and Hot Fish Club), the Ham has enough excellent options to make any dining decision difficult. For our complete list of great locally owned restaurants, follow the link. www.localeats.com/q/Birmingham-AL-restaurants/. Below is a small selection from our press release, which can be found in its entirety here. Birmingham, AL (PRWEB) May 06, 2013 LocalEats®, a critically acclaimed iPhone and iPad app, online dining guide (LocalEats.com), and the publisher of the Where the Locals Eat series of dining guides, has released its 2013 list of the best locally owned restaurants in Birmingham, Alabama. Restaurants selected include everything from established fine dining destinations and cutting-edge contemporary hotspots to the best barbecue joints, diners and purveyors of country cookin’ alike. Whether upscale or down-home, these restaurants are beloved by locals and compose the distinct dining fabric of Birmingham. LocalEats has also designated category winners by cuisine and chosen the city’s “Top 100 Restaurants,” which are searchable on the website and mobile apps. All selections are made by the LocalEats editorial staff, who research local media and relevant dining blogs, monitor social media, survey food-savvy locals and travelers, and take into account their personal dining experiences. There are no national chains listed, and restaurants cannot pay for inclusion. Unlike most restaurant apps and websites that rely on user comments and contributions for content, LocalEats is one of the only curated restaurants guides. “The restaurants we feature in Birmingham display why it’s such a desirable dining destination,” says LocalEats editorial director Pat Embry. “We’ve attempted to capture the diversity of this truly unique dining culture, and we’re proud to present our picks for the best independently owned restaurants in Birmingham.” Photo Credit: Earthsound (David Gunnells). Given B-ham's great restaurants, Vulcan should eschew the hammer and spear for a fork and knife.http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2013/may/birminghams-top-dining-spots
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2013/may/birminghams-top-dining-spotsTue, 07 May 2013 15:07:00 What's a Foodie?21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2013/april/whats-a-foodieOur friends over at Livability (www.livability.com) recently approached us while compiling a list of the Top 10 Foodie Cities 2013. They asked our opinion on some tough questions, namely, “How do you define a foodie?” You'll find snippets of my answers about foodies and foodie cities here, but I couldn't help examining the topic in greater detail. I started my response by putting a little distance between myself and the word, stating that’s it’s really not everyone’s favorite word around the office. Many in the food writing world find it cringe-worthy, thinking it’s too cutesy, too broad or simply overused. The backlash has been well documented. As loaded and problematic as “foodie” is though, I felt that dismissing and thumbing my nose at it defeated the purpose of the exercise. So I set out to explore just what this word encompasses (pardon my tardiness to the party). Let’s take on the more positive and broader implications first. A foodie can be someone dedicated to the pursuit of discovering or creating the most satisfying meal possible. “Foodie” does not have quite the same high-brow implications as gourmand or connoisseur. It can apply to restaurant enthusiasts of all varieties, be it a lover of diners, a burger blogger, or someone who keeps tabs on every new restaurant in their area. It extends well beyond love of restaurants, with innovative home cooks, expert meat curers and smokers, food photographers and even gardeners. The guy who makes his own beef jerky is foodie. So is a dining critic who mostly deals with high-end restaurants. You’d even categorize a friend hell-bent on finding respectable poutine south of the border as a foodie. Although a foodie need not necessarily have such a hands-on relationship with food, thanks to the empowerment of the internet. It can merely be someone who enjoys thinking and writing about the subject. The unifying tie is a passion for food and the willingness to go to great lengths for a memorable dining experience. Hence, it’s a pretty broad and democratic term — inclusive of any who are taken with the pursuit, creation or discussion of all things food. Now, for the backlash. As just discussed, “foodie” casts a pretty wide net. While the generous would characterize this as inclusive, critics of the term find it maddeningly vague. Is it really a useful word if it applies to a seasoned dining journalist, a cookbook author who re-purposes junk food, and anyone who writes snarky restaurant reviews on Yelp alike? Furthermore, to counter the concept of foodie as a knowledgeable explorer of food, one could characterize a foodie as a shameless follower of trends. As the hipster is to music and/or fashion, so is the foodie to dining. There’s the person who always has a phone out at the table to check-in at the fabulous restaurant du jour or post food photos via Instagram (admittedly I’ve been obnoxious food photo guy). Foodies love restaurants with menus that repeatedly use the word artisanal and include self-congratulatory diatribes on their superior sourcing practices. As for the foodie at home, everyone has a friend who takes any opportunity to mention their CSA or look down at you for not painstakingly making your own chicken stock. Let it be noted that these instincts come from a good place: eating sustainably, supporting local vendors and taking a DIY approach with food at home are worthy pastimes. Unfortunately, locavorism (to use another oft-hated term) has become a haven for pretension and snobbery. Not to mention it’s a cost prohibitive club to join — but that’s another discussion entirely. With some foodies, it would seem the enthusiasm and enjoyment of dining takes a back seat to cultivating a foodier-than-thou persona. Such are the more insufferable connotations that the word foodie can conjure. Foodie is a term that is constantly evolving, as our own tolerance for the word fluctuates. You could even argue that intolerance for the word itself is its own brand of snobbery. I wouldn’t argue for outright banishment of the word, but would suggest that we use it sparingly. As for the positive and negative connotations discussed above, drawing the line between the two — laudable food exploration and pretentious posturing — is difficult. At what point do our foodie tendencies and demands put other people out? I’ve no doubt caused family and friends to roll their eyes when I demand we leave the interstate (or paved roads in some cases) to find a ramshackle barbecue joint off the beaten path. Where do you make the distinction between seeking out/sharing a wonderful food experience and bragging about your dining exploits? It’s a fine line, and highly subjective. I suppose “foodie” is in the eye of the beholder.http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2013/april/whats-a-foodie
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2013/april/whats-a-foodieMon, 01 April 2013 00:00:00 Noshing in Memphis21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2013/march/noshing-in-memphisThe Beale Street Music Festival just announced its lineup a few day ago, so we figure this is as good a time as any to call attention to our recently revised and updated list of Memphis's best restaurants. With only two months until Memphis in May, it's important to start thinking about your eating itinerary while in town. After all, one cannot live off corn dogs, funnel cake and other festival foodstuffs alone. Restaurants new to our Memphis Top 100 include The Brass Door, Cafe 1912, Fuel Cafe, Hog &amp; Hominy, Local Gastropub, and Rizzo's Diner. We've also added a handful of local favorites: Aldo's Pizza Pies, DeJavu, Marlowe's Ribs &amp; Restaurant, Sakura Japanese, Sekisui, The Slider Inn, Stone Soup Cafe &amp; Market, and Tom's Bar-B-Q.&nbsp; Post list-creation, I stopped through Memphis on a 20-hour whirlwind trip the weekend before last. The reason for the visit was attending the swan song of beloved (yet dilapidated) Midtown music venue, the Hi-Tone. As per usual, my real motive remained cramming in as much food tourism as possible during my brief stay. My travelling companion and I squeezed in a couple Memphis classics around the concert. Upon arriving in Memphis we wasted no time at all, driving directly&nbsp;The Bar-B-Q Shop. This Midtown institution, which lays claim as "The Home of the Dancing Pigs," gets an A+ for exterior and signage alone, with cute window drawings of the aforementioned upright swine tango-ing. But kitsch value aside, the barbecue is the star of the show here and no secret among Midtowners - even at 3:30 in the afternoon, most tables in the joint were occupied. Their signature barbecue spaghetti is well worth a try (order it as a side if you don't want to commit all the way), as are their excellent chopped or pulled pork sandwiches on buttery Texas toast. This time around, I went ribs - there's no better city on the planet for ribs, so when in Rome ... Unable to resist the option which let me try a little of both, I opted for a half-wet/half-dry rack. The wet ribs were solid, but the dry were in a class of their own, heavily seasoned and not needing an ounce of sauce for additional flavor.&nbsp; I'd gladly eat barbecue consecutive meals while in Memphis and have accomplished just that on previous occasions, but this time around we visited our favorite Memphis seafood spot, Half Shell in East Memphis (there's a Winchester location as well). It may not be the type of restaurant to make a New York Times 36-hours piece or other lists of the city's trendiest restaurants, but Half Shell truly is where the locals eat. Thematically, Half Shell's decor is some bizarre hybrid of tropical tiki bar, Mardi Gras, and cozy, wood-paneled lodge. When it comes to the food, they excel with fresh seafood and some of the best Cajun cuisine I've had outside New Orleans. Their etouffee (often a risky order outside Louisiana) did not disappoint, with an impressive depth of flavor. The fried oyster po' boy was exemplary as well, with a substantial French roll that held together nicely and sizeable fried oysters. Alas, there was no more time for eating adventures. Finishing at the Half Shell, which I might also mention has great access to I-240, was a wonderful way to conclude the stay.&nbsp;http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2013/march/noshing-in-memphis
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2013/march/noshing-in-memphisMon, 04 March 2013 15:12:00 Mardi Gras Web Edibles21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2013/february/mardi-gras-web-ediblesLaissez les bons temps rouler! It's the fattest Tuesday of the year: Mardi Gras! This means King cake, crawfish, po' boys, and the responsible imbibing of hurricanes, hand grenades and Sazeracs (not necessarily in that order). Mardi Gras marks one last chance to cut loose a little before Lent and the obligatory pressure to not eat certain things. At LocalEats, we're of the opinion that New Orleans possesses one of the planet's superior dining cultures. Take a look at our list of the best restaurants in New Orleans, and in the spirit of debauchery and celebration, enjoy these Fat Tuesday-related links.&nbsp; Anxious about choking on the baby in the King cake? Why not take it in liquid form with The King Cake-tini.&nbsp; Southern Foodways and Eatocracy celebrate a New Orleans tradition that often flies under the radar (as far as national attention): the sno-ball. Taking on one of NOLA's most iconic foodstuffs: the Famous Ferdi Special po' boy at Mother's. Want to avoid the raucous crowds, lines at the bar, and the flying beads and cabbage? Serious Eats provides recipes for 12 cocktails to celebrate Mardi Gras at home. We're not always on board with the cupcake crazies, but we could down with some&nbsp; Gumbo Cupcakes.&nbsp; Screenshot our latest iPad update.&nbsp;http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2013/february/mardi-gras-web-edibles
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2013/february/mardi-gras-web-ediblesTue, 12 February 2013 16:30:00 Updates for LocalEats on iPhone and iPad 21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2013/february/updates-for-localeats-on-iphone-and-ipadIt's 2013 and high time for some changes 'round these parts. No, we're not switching to an all kale diet or taking up aerial yoga, but we are rolling out some new app updates. Good news comes in bunches, as both our iPhone and iPad apps have received upgrades. You'll find LocalEats v. 2.8 for the iPhone ($0.99) and LocalEats v. 3.1 for the iPad (free) in the iTunes store. In addition to the standard bug squashings and speed and performance enhancements, changes to the iPhone app include GPS improvements, digital comment cards on restaurant pages, and native Facebook posting from the app. Also, the last city you browsed will appear at the top of the States &amp; Cities tab the next time you use the app. As for the iPad app, changes include speed improvements, full-screen maps (when you click on the map), full-screen view on restaurant websites, native Facebook posting, digital comment cards, and more bouncing action (we know how you iPad aficionados like it bouncy). Take them for a test drive, and feel free give us feedback in the iTunes store. Or leave us some love on Facebook&nbsp;or Twitter.http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2013/february/updates-for-localeats-on-iphone-and-ipad
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2013/february/updates-for-localeats-on-iphone-and-ipadWed, 06 February 2013 12:15:00 LocalEats 3.0 for the iPad21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/december/localeats-30-for-the-ipadGood news, tablet enthusiasts! LocalEats v 3.0 for the iPad is now available. And with the latest update comes significant upgrades, of course. Aside from the requisite performance enhancements and bug fixes, we've updated the retina display, added options for sharing restaurants on Facebook and Twitter and included a brand new search feature as well as iOS 6 updates. Best of all, it's completely free, whether you're downloading it for the first time or updating the older version. We'd love to hear your thoughts on the overall performance of the new app, so leave us some feedback in the iTunes store. Now for your viewing edification: a few shiny screenshots.http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/december/localeats-30-for-the-ipad
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/december/localeats-30-for-the-ipadMon, 03 December 2012 12:30:00 Hamtastic Voyage: The Silver Skillet in Atlanta21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/november/silver-skilletI love a long, leisurely (occasionally frilly) brunch as much as the next person. And at times, I can appreciate creative, over-the-top twists on breakfast: bacon donuts, lobster frittatas, and pancakes stuffed with all sorts of fruits, flavored cream cheeses and meats. But above all morning meals, I love a basic diner breakfast best. Apologies for my second diner posting this month (I previously covered Tally's in Tulsa), but rest assured that I have no plans to bleach my hair, purchase the entire Ed Hardy catalog, or open a universally reviled theme park/restaurant in Times Square. I recently had the good fortune of popping into the iconic&nbsp;Silver Skillet in Midtown Atlanta. The Silver Skillet is a classic 50's diner through and through. No, not the kind marked by neon lights, shiny chrome and poodle skirt-clad waitresses on roller skates. Johnny Rocket's, this ain't. Rather, it seems that little has changed since it opened in 1956. Well-worn pea green and burnt orange booths line the restaurant as well as a row of the requisite counter stools. Behind the counter you'll see the daily specials on chalkboards as well as old-timey plastic signs advertising the house favorites: country ham steak, ice box pies, hamburger steak and the like. Sure, the Guy Fieri poster commemorating the Silver Skillet's appearance on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives breaks the illusion a bit, but we won't hold that against them (and to Fieri's credit, he made the right call by stopping off here, as did the many celebrities and musicians with photos on display).&nbsp; As far as the food is concerned, it's some no-frills, decidedly southern diner fare. Grilled or fried pork chops with white gravy, biscuits with your choice of any meat, buttermilk pancakes, and grilled corn beef hash highlight the menu. But anyone worth their salt (and plenty of salt they will get) comes to the Silver Skillet for the signature skillet country ham. Figuring this was not the kind of place you want to order granola and yogurt, I went all the way with an order of the skillet country ham, two eggs, grits and biscuits with red-eye gravy. First, the biscuits were exemplary - fluffy but not too floury or oversized. As for the country ham, the bone-in half center slice possessed a darker hue than most. Salty and full of flavor, this was among the best renditions of country ham I've had anywhere. For an extra level of intensity, the red-eye gravy will certainly put hair on your chest. It's a must-try, but should be used in moderation. A cup of strong coffee made the ideal accompaniment to the monstrous meal -- without which, slipping into a food coma might have proved unavoidable. Alas, there was no room for lemon icebox or coconut pie, but I'll gladly fight inexplicable Atlanta traffic any day to return to the&nbsp; Silver Skillet.&nbsp;http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/november/silver-skillet
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/november/silver-skilletWed, 28 November 2012 15:09:00 The Edible Web: Thanksgiving Edition21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/november/thanksgiving-web-ediblesAs our most foodcentric holiday approaches, we scour the web for tasty tidbits, recipes, and all things covered in cranberry sauce and chased with pumpkin pie.&nbsp; The science behind our ability to squeeze in that piece of pumpkin pie after a huge Thanksgiving dinner. Damn those evolutionary impulses. Presenting: The VeggieDucken. Stuffing foods in other foods that don't belong together is no longer a practice exclusive to meat eaters. For those who find Thanksgiving food a tad mushy and lacking spice, a recipe for Turkey Enchilada Verde Soup from the Homesick Texan Sam Worley of the Chicago Reader provides a recipe for " the world's finest pumpkin pie." Bourbon and rum optional (in the pie or for the cook) Last minute side dish idea from the Tart Tart: brussels sprouts, Momofuku-style Chef Marc Murphy of Landmarc (New York) cleverly repurposes turkey day leftovers to the tune of shepherd's pie, potato croquettes and more.&nbsp; Happy Thanksgiving, turkeys!&nbsp;http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/november/thanksgiving-web-edibles
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/november/thanksgiving-web-ediblesMon, 19 November 2012 16:26:00 Eating the Obvious: Chicken-Fried Steak in Tulsa at Tally's Cafe21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/november/eating-the-obvious-tallys-chicken-fried-steak-sandwich-in-tulsaWhen it comes to online dining publications and food blogs across the interwebs, there is a premium on discovery and obscurity. There's nothing inherently wrong with this. Everyone loves a challenge and the satisfaction that comes with announcing that they've found surprisingly decent sushi in a landlocked state, the best soul food in Salt Lake City, or an amazing bagel south of the Mason-Dixon Line. But when visiting somewhere for the first time, I've often found the best way to become acclimated is to start with foods most indigenous to the area and the most iconic restaurants. In previous installments of Eating the Obvious, I've examined deep-dish at Pequod's in Chicago, po' boys at Mother's in New Orleans and more. Today's entry recalls a visit to Tally's Good Food Cafe in Tulsa for a chicken-fried steak sandwich. &nbsp; Located on historic Route 66, Tally's Cafe replicates the feel of a 50's diner. All of the familiar symptoms of a classic diner are present: plenty of chrome and neon outside, counter stools with shiny red leather upholstery, a ton of old Route 66 bric-a-brac, and no lack of red and white tile. But Tally's does not exist to be kitschy tribute to the 50's. There are no hula hoop contests or waiters dressed as Buddy Holly. The décor is certainly something to behold, but Tally's excels most with straightforward diner fare in large portions, be it breakfast, lunch or dinner. While in Tulsa, I was determined to get my hands on a quality chicken-fried steak. Though many would most closely associate this foodstuff with Texas, the chicken-fried steak is widely loved in the region and actually part of the official state meal of Oklahoma - &nbsp;this "meal" also consists of barbecue pork, sausage and gravy, pecan pie and about 5 more items. Tally's book of a menu runs the gamut from fruit pancakes and three-egg omelets to barbecue, chili, and spaghetti and meatballs. But on this day, I had tunnel vision, and "Tally's Famous Chicken Fried Steak Sandwich" had me at chicken-fried steak sandwich. When committing to an order like this, you're generally prepared for the fact that this is no mere "light lunch" and will in all likelihood shape the course of your day (if not weekend). Nonetheless, I was still somewhat shocked by the sheer size of behemoth sandwich which appeared before me 10 minutes later. The breading was a spectacle in itself, and the bun only covered about 60% of the meat, with a knife stuck through the top to hold it all together. A ramekin of white pepper gravy accompanied the sandwich, presumably on the side to uphold the integrity of the breading. Keeping it all together proved to be a slight challenge - a failed attempt to cut the filet in half resulted in some loss of breading (amateur mistake). &nbsp;All in all though, a fantastic sandwich it was, especially with just a touch of the peppery gravy. Other highlights at the table included a giant basket of fried okra (also part of the official meal of Oklahoma), great French fries, and a perfect BLT - getting this just right is a sign of a quality diner.&nbsp;http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/november/eating-the-obvious-tallys-chicken-fried-steak-sandwich-in-tulsa
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/november/eating-the-obvious-tallys-chicken-fried-steak-sandwich-in-tulsaFri, 02 November 2012 14:07:00 NYC's Best Restaurants21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/october/the-best-of-the-big-appleA look at our updated list of the Big Apple's best dining. After much deliberation and gnashing of teeth, we're pleased to release our revised and updated list of New York's best restaurants. In total, we've covered over 800 restaurants spread out over five boroughs. No, we do not list every restaurant, bodega and hot dog stand on every corner, but we've carefully chosen and curated a list of what we consider the city's very best independently owned restaurants. As for the best of the best, we've also made considerable changes to our Top 100 New York restaurants. Restaurants cracking the Top 100 for the first time include 15 East, Danji, Danny Brown Wine Bar &amp; Kitchen, Dirt Candy, Dressler, Fette Sau, Grand Central Oyster Bar, Maialino, Mas (farmhouse), Minetta Tavern, Motorino, The Nomad, Red Rooster, Roberta's, Saul, Sushi Seki and Wallse. In addition to our reshaping of the Top 100, we've added hot new restaurants, neighborhood favorites and beloved old haunts throughout the city. Some of the new exciting spots we've highlighted include Atera, Battersby, Blanca, Mission Chinese Food and Pok Pok Ny. Old (some ancient) classics we thought worthy of recognition -- and still worth a visit -- include Arturo's, Ear Inn, Ferdinando's Focacceria, Old Town Bar &amp; Restaurant, Pete's Tavern and V&amp;T Pizzeria and Restauraunt. Of course, the best way to keep track of all these restaurants while wandering about aimlessly in the city is to download LocalEats for the iPhone, complete with GPS directions, restaurant information, menus and more. Sure, it's possible to stumble into a sub-par Broadway show while visiting New York. It's also conceivable that you'll attend a lousy Yankees game (particularly likely of late). But there truly is no excuse for eating poorly in New York. Let us help.http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/october/the-best-of-the-big-apple
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/october/the-best-of-the-big-appleThu, 18 October 2012 13:00:00 Local Tweats Roundup21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/october/local-tweats-roundupA tasty compilation of the best food and restaurant tweets of the week. Twitter tends to be saturated with asinine trending topics, excessive self-promotion and tweetspeak that those over the age of 22 may have trouble deciphering. But, it's also proved to be a valuable social media platform for restaurants, celebrity chefs and those who incessantly photograph their food. Here are a handful of excellent food-related tweets from the past week. As always, you can find us on Twitter&nbsp;@LocalEaters. Ruth Bourdain (@RuthBourdain):"I really hope the baconpocalypse doesn't affect other cured meats. I just don't think I could survive a Prosciutto di Parmageddon." A chilling vision of the impending aporkalypse. Jed (@jedfudally): "I would eat at a restaurant that calls itself 'shrimply the best' " Shrimpin' ain't easy.&nbsp; Moiste Porque (@MoistPork): "Someday when I'm arrested, I'll be hunched over a&nbsp;restaurant&nbsp;chef, whom I've strangled with his own sandwich, screaming, 'I said NO MAYO!'" Not sure how the physics of strangling with a sandwich would work, but can certainly understand frustration with general disregard of "no mayo" requests. &nbsp; Kat Kinsman (@kittenwithawhip): "My greatest contribution to society today has been a headline involving 'tainted nut butter.' May I have a nap now, please?" Nap well earned. Continuing with the nap theme ... Scotty (@marylandmudflap): "I'm a lot like Dexter only instead of killing murderers I just killed a burrito and took a 43 minute nap in my shower." FactHive (@FactHive) There are more French&nbsp;restaurants&nbsp;in New York City than in Paris. But how many New York-style hot dog stands line the Champs-Élysées?&nbsp; Mark Ganek (@MarkGanek): "Ordered an In-N-Out&nbsp;burger&nbsp;'gangnam style,' so they shoved it down my throat repeatedly." I see what you did there.&nbsp; Chase Mitchell (@ChaseMit): "There's a special section of hell for people who bring their kids to restaurants. It's a&nbsp;restaurant&nbsp;with their kids in it." Fair enough, but what horrible things did the poor servers do to deserve their fate of cleaning the crushed Cherios on the floor?&nbsp; Comedy Tweets: (@IQuoteComedy): "When I'm at a&nbsp;restaurant&nbsp;I like to ask the waiter, 'What's your most frequently photographed entree?' " Restaurant menus should really come with suggested Instagram filter pairings.&nbsp; Sandra Boynton (@SandyBoynton): "At lunch, the&nbsp;restaurant&nbsp;menu listed 'artisanal lettuce.' I'm so happy! I thought all the lettucewrights had retired." That's all, folks!&nbsp; The Twitter bird only eats artisanal birdseed and locally sourced worms.&nbsp;http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/october/local-tweats-roundup
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/october/local-tweats-roundupThu, 04 October 2012 11:15:00 Pizza Pilgrimage: Burt's Place outside Chicago21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/september/pizza-pilgrimage-burts-place-in-morton-grove,-ilSome claim that they've never had a bad piece of pizza. And though my childhood memories of roller rink concessions prevent me from agreeing wholeheartedly with that sentiment, I'll concede that it's difficult to make such a great food truly bad. Not only that, but decent pizza can be found in just about any town, big or small. But for our pizza obsessed nation, finding a "decent" pie is not good enough. Countless blogs, forums and sites across the interwebs are dedicated to the discovering the best new pizza parlors and upholding the merits of the most legendary pie purveyors. Of the latter, there are a few places held with particular reverence. Some combination of obscurity, eccentricity, meticulousness, and (usually) undeniable quality makes these places irresistible to pizza pilgrims willing to wait in long lines, put up with odd hours or venture off the beaten path for transcendent pizza. I've waited out the line at&nbsp; Frank Pepe in New Haven for ultra-thin crust tomato pies and the white clam pizza from the coal-fired ovens. I've made the trek to Midwood (Brooklyn), only to arrive at Di Fara during Dominic DeMarco's naptime (when the restaurant closes for 2 hours). I waited. It was worth it. My latest pizza adventure with a high degree of difficulty/obscurity took me to Burt's Place in Morton Grove, a suburb northeast of Chicago.&nbsp; Just a few quick words on the Burt behind Burt's Place. That would be Burt Katz, the white-bearded septuagenarian who has been in the Chicago pizza making racket since the 1960's (his beard dates back almost as far). Most notably, he started Gulliver's and Pequod's&nbsp;before selling them and opening Burt's Place in 1989. Katz and his friendly wife Sharon by and large run the kitchen and dining room with the help of a few others.&nbsp; There was no line spilling out the door at Burt's Place. If you aren't looking for it, you might not even notice it, tucked away on a relatively quiet suburban street. There was no line because Burt's Place is reservations only (a week in advance is suggested). And if you think that's peculiar pizza protocol, they take it a step further: you're supposed to place your order in advance as well. From a practical perspective, Chicago-style pizza takes an eternity to cook, so this merely cuts down on the customers' waiting time. The procedures in place do add to the mystique and slightly exclusive feel, though. This theme continued as the host shot us an incredulous look at the door when we incorrectly guessed the name under which the reservation was made (the guy who secured our reservation came late). Mercifully, we got it right on the third try, and the man allowed us to proceed into the small, dark dining room and to our booth. The walls are covered with old telephones, clocks, microphones and ancient radio equipment. Only 7 or 8 booths line the walls with a couple of tables in the middle where no one sat. After a round of beers arrived, as well as a large salad for the whole table, our pre-ordered pies arrived a mere 10 minutes after we had been seated. After the server doled out slices, he placed the pizza pans on the tables in the middle of the room, where he could access them whenever he spied an empty plate. As for the pizza, it's not quite like any other Chicago-style pie you'll encounter. Sure, the caramelized crust shares some similarities to that of&nbsp;Pequod's&nbsp;(which I'm still a big fan of, for the record), perfectly browned around the edges and medium-thick. But it's less buttery than your average pan pizza, and it retains its delightful spongy texture, unlike some Chicago-style pies which collapse under the weight of toppings piled high. They also don't cover their pies with layers and layers of cheese. In fact, there might have been more sauce than cheese on any given slice - no complaints here: I'm a sauce guy. Toppings were also top-notch, from pepperoni and fresh cut vegetables to their superior sausage. Perhaps the best part: this hefty Chicago-style pizza did not result in a food coma or regret. Though certainly a hearty meal, the members of my dining party and I did not leave feeling like we required a nap or wouldn't be able to eat for days. This is a testament to their superior ingredients and light touch with the butter and cheese.&nbsp; Needless to say, there are plenty of great pizza joints in and around Chicago. You might find a pie you like as well or better than the ones you'll find at Burt's Place. And if you want to watch a Blackhawks or Bears game while sharing pitchers and pizzas with a large, rowdy group of friends, Burt's is not your place. But for a pizza pilgrim, it's well-worth at least one trip for the slightly bizarre but nonetheless delicious experience.http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/september/pizza-pilgrimage-burts-place-in-morton-grove,-il
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/september/pizza-pilgrimage-burts-place-in-morton-grove,-ilThu, 27 September 2012 16:04:00 LocalEats v. 2.6.1 for the iPhone21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/august/localeats-v-261-for-the-iphoneGood news, LocalEaters and app enthusiasts! LocalEats version 2.6.1 is now available for the iPhone. That means it's time to update those apps.&nbsp;Stop trying to play made up words in phone Scrabble. Quit&nbsp;pestering Siri with rhetorical questions that she's incapable of answering. Go directly to the app store, hit the "Updates" button in the bottom right hand corner, and download the latest version of LocalEats. As for what's new in this particular update: There are the requisite bug fixes and performance enhancements which will make the app operate more smoothly. Search capabilities have been tweaked to become more user-friendly. We've also added social media tools under our "Share this Restaurant" button. Now if you're scouting out a dinner spot with a dinner companion or just want the world to know of the fabulous restaurant you're dining in, you can share it on your Facebook timeline or Twitter feed via LocalEats. As always, we encourage your reviews (hopefully sparkling) and feedback in the iTunes app store.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/august/localeats-v-261-for-the-iphone
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/august/localeats-v-261-for-the-iphoneThu, 23 August 2012 16:47:00 The Edible Web21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/august/the-edible-webBon Appétit's 10 best new restaurants in America, the no cell phone discount, and considering the Sidecar on today's web roundup.&nbsp; Bon Appétit released their annual Hot 10 list of America's Best New Restaurants, including Nashville's The Catbird Seat and Cakes &amp; Ale in Decatur, GA.&nbsp; Today in food items that no one asked for: alcoholic sandwiches.&nbsp; There can be only one:&nbsp;Chicagoland burger enthusiasts were baffled by erroneous internet rumors that Kuma's Corner&nbsp;would open a second location in the Woodfield Mall in Schaumberg, reports Serious Eats.&nbsp; Los Angeles&nbsp;restaurant Eva offers a 5% discount to diners that check their cell phones at the door. The real cost: depriving the Instagram community of your old-timey food shots.&nbsp; Esquire&nbsp;interviews the barkeep&nbsp;at Hollywood institution&nbsp; Musso &amp; Frank Grill. Among topics covered: the virtues of the Sidecar, celebrity guests from Rock Hudson to Harrison Ford, and dolts who order cognac with coke (they exist).&nbsp; Know your classic cocktails. The Sidecar: brandy, triple sec, sweet and sour, and sugar rimming the glass.&nbsp;http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/august/the-edible-web
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/august/the-edible-webThu, 16 August 2012 12:04:00 Olympic Dining in London21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/july/olympic-diningDay four of the London Olympics is upon us. For locals visiting the games in London, it's easy to get caught up in the drama of the medal count, pointless Dream Team debates, breathless post-swim interviews and underscoring conspiracies. This can be equal parts exhausting and hunger-inducing, and so here at LocalEats we've assembled a list of London's best locally owned restaurants. Sure, the world's largest McDonald's is an interesting monstrosity to gawk at, but there's too much great cuisine to be had in London to bother with it - Ryan Lochte gave up his Mickey D's addiction and it seems to be working out just fine for him. Those traveling with a data plan and searching for restaurants in their vicinity can locate London restaurants&nbsp;by downloading&nbsp;LocalEats for the iPhone&nbsp;and hitting the "nearby" button. Cheers! A proper fish and chips (travel tip: fish and chips at takeaway joints are far cheaper and often superior to your average pub renditions)http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/july/olympic-dining
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/july/olympic-diningTue, 31 July 2012 12:56:00 Apple Introduces Food &amp; Drink App Category21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/july/apple-introduces-food-drink-app-categoryLocalEats for the iPhone and iPad has a new home in the app store. Apple has unveiled a new Food &amp; Drink category. You'll find LocalEats near the top of the list (of paid apps). Previously, all apps related to recipes, restaurants, cocktails and cooking were found in the Travel category, where they had to muscle for rank with the likes of flight tracking apps, foreign language translators and travel site apps. You'll still be able to find and download LocalEats from the Travel category, but our primary category will now be the much more befitting Food &amp; Drink. It's also worth noting that we've recently updated our iPhone app&nbsp;(v 2.5.1) to enhance search capabilities and overall performance. Update those apps, and let us know what you think of our changes by reviewing us in the iTunes store.&nbsp;http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/july/apple-introduces-food-drink-app-category
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/july/apple-introduces-food-drink-app-categoryThu, 12 July 2012 15:54:00 LocalEats Version 2.5.1 for the iPhone21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/july/localeats-v-251-for-the-iphoneGood news, LocalEaters and app store enthusiasts. We've released the latest and greatest version of our iPhone app!&nbsp;LocalEats v. 2.5.1 is now available in the iTunes store for 99 cents. For those who previously purchased an earlier version of the app, the update is free, of course. We remain committed as always, to helping users find great locally owned restaurants, whether searching nearby, in a certain price range or for a specific cuisine. A few of the changes featured in this update include a speedier and more efficient Nearby search, new radius change buttons for the Search and Nearby tabs, and the requisite back-end changes and bug fixes that improve the overall performance of the app. In other words, alterations were made to enhance search capabilities and allow the app to run more efficiently on the whole. Stay tuned for additional updates in the near future. We welcome feedback in the form of ratings and reviews in the iTunes store. Now get thee to the app store and update those apps!http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/july/localeats-v-251-for-the-iphone
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/july/localeats-v-251-for-the-iphoneThu, 05 July 2012 15:25:00 Nashville's Hot Chicken Festivalhttp://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/july/nashvilles-hot-chicken-festivalTomorrow marks July 4th. This, of course means hot weather, hot dogs and hot pants for all, but the 4th in Nashville is a celebration of one more important thing: HOT CHICKEN! The 6th annual Music City Hot Chicken Festival kicks off at 11 am at East Park on Woodland Street in East Nashville. For those of you uninitiated to the hot chicken club (it sometimes happens to longtime Nashville residents for a variety of reasons), this is your chance to finally try Nashville's most indigenous local foodstuff. All your flimsy excuses about irregular hours, unsavory parts of town or your own work schedule will no longer suffice: Nashville's most storied purveyors of the fiery yard-bird will be in one convenient location. After the very first Hot Chicken festival parade, led by former mayor Bill Purcell, kicks things off, the festival begins at 11. Free samples will be available from Prince's Hot Chicken Shack, Bolton's Spicy Chicken and Fish, 400 Degrees, Smack Your Mama Chicken and Pepperfire&nbsp;for the first 500 people. A few words of advice to first time festival goers and hot chicken eaters:&nbsp; 1. Bring plenty of water. Obviously you'll need it to mitigate the heat of the chicken. But more importantly, you'll need it while waiting in line in the blazing heat.&nbsp; 2. If you think you want it hot, order it medium. If you want it medium, go mild. If you want mild, take a walk to Edgefield for chicken tenders (which are quite good) and cheap, gloriously cold draft beer.&nbsp; 3. As the cayenne-laced chicken goes to work on your digestive tract and activates your tear ducts, refrain from wiping your eyes with your cayenne-caked fingers. This applies for all sensitive areas. 4. Bring your own napkins or wet-naps. See rule #3. You wouldn't want to deface your prized American flag tanktop with unsightly orange smudges.&nbsp; 5. The white bread is your best friend. Unless you've packed your own gallon of milk, the slice or two of white bread and pickles that come with your hot chicken are your best hope for lessening the burn. There's also an amateur hot chicken cooking contest between 6 local teams starting at 1:30. A variety of other vendors selling food include Eastside Fish, The Dog of Nashville, Pied Piper Creamery, Otter's Chicken, Yazoo Brewery and more. Happy 4th, LocalEaters. Wear sunscreen. &nbsp;Be safe. Enjoy the burn. Quarter breast plate from Pepperfire.&nbsp; Bolton's skillet-fried hot chicken.&nbsp;http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/july/nashvilles-hot-chicken-festival
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/july/nashvilles-hot-chicken-festivalTue, 03 July 2012 19:55:00 Roadside Attractions: Barbecue at McClard's21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/june/roadside-attractions-mcclards-bar-b-qAlmost every great barbecue joint comes with a great origin story. There's usually a secret technique or recipe transcribed in an ancient rural dialect and handed down by a grizzled great uncle who never slept for tending the pit.&nbsp;McClard's Bar-B-Q&nbsp;in Hot Springs, AR proves to be no exception. A hotbed of illegal gambling in the late 19th century and a favorite hangout of Al Capone and other gangsters in the '30s and '40s, Hot Springs was not a place unfamiliar with shady deals and unorthodox business transactions. Though the origins of McClard's were by no means criminal, they were certainly unusual. Alex and Gladys McClard weren't in the food business at the time. Rather, they ran a small hotel near Hot Springs National Park. As the story goes, a traveler who was unable to pay the $10 for his two-month stay offered the McClards alternative compensation: a recipe for the "the world's greatest barbecue sauce." The rest is history. They transformed the hotel into a barbecue restaurant in 1928 - goat was the centerpiece of the menu - and moved to their current location in 1942. While passing through Hot Springs on scenic highway 7, I couldn't resist stopping in for some of their legendary barbecue. A full parking lot at 11 am on a Friday afternoon came as no surprise. As my dining companions and I entered what was likely the incorrect door, we were greeted by all sorts of Clinton-related paraphernalia - Bill and Hillary always made it a point to stop in McClard's when in the area (that is, before Slick Willy surprised us all by going vegan). The bustling restaurant had no available tables, and we definitely drew a few "y'all ain't from around here, are ya?" looks as we stood awkwardly, attempting to decipher the seating system, which is somewhat non-existent. Turnover is pretty quick at McClard's, so it wasn't before long until our party of five was seated in a huge booth, after a friendly elderly couple offered to give up their sizeable table and sit at a smaller one (Arkansas friendliness is a special thing). &nbsp; As for the barbecue, the menu offered a wide variety of options, from ribs and sandwiches to pork and beef, both available chopped and sliced. I've long held that Arkansas is somewhat of a barbecue no-man's-land. It's not far from Memphis where pork is king, and it shares a border with Texas, where the cow dominates the 'cue scene. Even St. Louis is only a few hours away. This might explain why I grew up eating soiee-moiee sandwiches -- that's both pork and beef bbq on the same bun --at a barbecue restaurant in my grandparents' home town in Northwest Arkansas, but I digress. We decided to try a little of everything and were not disappointed with the results. I opted for the rib and fry plate, which is about what it sounds like: a pound of ribs absolutely covered in French fries. I eventually needed an additional plate to pile fries upon just so I could get to the ribs unimpeded. Generally, I'd prefer a dry rub, but since the sauce is the specialty at McClard's (the recipe currently resides in a safety deposit box elsewhere) I opted for sauce on the ribs. This was not a regrettable decision: the thin, peppery vinegar sauce with a touch of sweetness and a late spicy kick absolutely lived up to the hype. As for the ribs themselves, they were heavily seasoned, tender and quite meaty, albeit slightly fatty - not that I'm complaining about this.&nbsp; Perhaps the most unique item available at McClard's however, is the Tamale Spread. This monstrous creation consists of two open-faced tamales covered with Fritos, beans, chopped beef bbq, and a ton of cheese and onions. Somewhat akin to a Frito pie, but from a barbecue angle, it carries an intense combinations of flavors. Strange as it may sound, it's an absolute must try at McClard's.&nbsp; As we staggered back to the car after our heavy meal -- with "lard" in the title, we weren't expecting a light lunch -- I couldn't help being impressed and relieved that a place with such a colorful history and reputation was keeping the quality at such a high level. Some spots coast on their name and know they'll draw enough tourists so that it doesn't matter. But as is often the case with barbecue, it's a matter of pride. And shortcuts are not taken by the country's best pitmasters. For further reading, take a look at our selection of the country's 20 best barbecue restaurants.&nbsp;http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/june/roadside-attractions-mcclards-bar-b-q
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/june/roadside-attractions-mcclards-bar-b-qThu, 28 June 2012 16:56:00 Nashville Restaurants in the New York Times21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/june/nashville-restaurants-in-the-ny-timesAs many Music City dining aficionados may have noticed,&nbsp; The New York Times&nbsp; ran a lengthy feature on Nashville restaurants. There were some interesting geographical interpretations of our fine city (and the word "hipster" appeared half a dozen times, prompting some tattooed and bearded East Nashvillians to hop off their fixed-gear bikes and tweet their grievances) but the article deftly highlighted some fantastic Nashville restaurants well-deserving of recognition, and it's great to see the Nashville dining scene getting some attention on the national level.&nbsp; Restaurants featured in the article include&nbsp; Bolton's Spicy Chicken and Fish,&nbsp;Las Paletas,&nbsp;Mas Tacos,&nbsp;City House,&nbsp;Margot Cafe&nbsp;and red-hot newcomers&nbsp;The Catbird Seat&nbsp;and&nbsp; The Pharmacy. The piece largely centers on East Nashville, which has seen no shortage of foodie love in recent days. Tyler Florence and&nbsp;The Great Food Truck Race&nbsp;spent some time on the east side a couple weeks back, and Adam Richman noshed upon the&nbsp; Asian flank steak sandwich at Mitchell Deli&nbsp;just last week for his new show,&nbsp;Best Sandwich in America. With all this focus on Nashville restaurants, we'd be remiss not to mention our recently updated list of&nbsp; Nashville's Top 100 restaurants. 6 of the 7 restaurants mentioned in&nbsp;The Times&nbsp;article are currently Top 100's, and other new additions to the list include&nbsp;Giovanni,&nbsp;Gojo Ethiopian,&nbsp;Kayne Prime,&nbsp;The Smiling Elephant,&nbsp;Suzy Wong's,&nbsp; Table 3,&nbsp;Tavern,&nbsp;and&nbsp;PS Noodle Pot. Follow the link for complete details of our&nbsp;Nashville update.&nbsp; Props to The Times for recognizing Bolton's Spicy Chicken and Fish The best burger bun in town, from The Pharmacyhttp://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/june/nashville-restaurants-in-the-ny-times
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/june/nashville-restaurants-in-the-ny-timesWed, 20 June 2012 12:12:00 Mitchell Deli and the Best Sandwich in America21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/june/mitchell-deli-and-the-best-sandwich-in-americaThe Travel Channel will feature East Nashville's own Mitchell Delicatessen&nbsp;tonight at 8 pm CDT on Adam Richman's&nbsp;Best Sandwich in America. A much slimmer Richman (of Man vs. Food fame) is clearly benefitting from the switch to a new show, which does not require him to consume/sweat through 12-egg omelettes from Beth's Cafe, 180 Oysters from Acme Oyster House or fiery phaal curry from Brick Lane&nbsp;among other ludicrous food challenges.&nbsp; As for the Mitchell's sandwich up for the honor of competing with the nation's best: That would be the Asian Flank Steak Sandwich topped with provolone and crunchy giardiniera (available only on Mondays). As far as we're concerned, it couldn't have happened to a more deserving restaurant. This great little neighborhood deli provides hearty breakfasts, local meats and cheeses, and wonderful sandwiches - we're particularly fond of the turkey-apple-brie, the curried chicken salad and the turkey-avocado-bacon (Benton's, of course). Here's a sneak preview of tonight's episode, in which the Asian Flank Steak Sandwich will compete with the chicken cheddar biscuit from Time-Out in Chapel Hill and the Chicken Conquistador from Zunzi's in Savannah, GA.&nbsp;http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/june/mitchell-deli-and-the-best-sandwich-in-america
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/june/mitchell-deli-and-the-best-sandwich-in-americaWed, 13 June 2012 13:13:00 Music City Dining Destinations21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/june/music-city-dining-destinationsWith CMA Fest descending upon Nashville, and the road to Bonnaroo passing through Music City, we figured it's as good a time as any to release our revised and updated list of Nashville's best restaurants. Whether you're into line dancing or noodling, a believer in Faith Hill or St. Vincent, we can all agree upon eating locally, right?&nbsp;With no lack of culinary talent in town and new restaurants popping up everywhere from Downtown to Murfreesboro, Franklin, Clarksville and East Nashville, it was no easy task narrowing down our favorites and shuffling the category winners. Without further ado, here is our list of the Top 100 Nashville restaurants. New additions to the Top 100 (not necessarily new restaurants) include The Catbird Seat, Giovanni, Gojo Ethiopian, Kayne Prime, The Smiling Elephant, Suzy Wong's, Table 3, Tavern, Bolton's, The Pharmacy, and PS Noodle Pot. Other fantastic newcomers capturing our attention and appetites of late include Edley's Bar-B-Q (bushwhackers and bbq, oh my!), AM@FM, Gloria's Korean Kitchen, Pepperfire, Urban Grub, The Southern and Jim's Original Coney Island.&nbsp; (dolsot bi bim bap from Gloria's Kitchen) All in all it's been an eventful year in Nashville dining. We've witnessed the arrival of possibly the most ambitious restaurant the city has ever seen in The Catbird Seat, which was named one of GQ's 10 Best New Restaurants in America. Along with The Catbird Seat, City House and the Capitol Grille&nbsp;garnered James Beard nominations. A few scattered food trucks have transformed into a veritable fleet, serving everything from cheese-stuffed gourmet burgers to jambalaya, hot chicken and Korean bbq tacos. East Nashville continues to gain momentum with the likes of Five Points Pizza and Nashville's finest beer garden at The Pharmacy. As the dining scene grows more diverse and ambitious while diners become more adventurous, it's still reassurring that enthusiasm for hot chicken and the meat 'n threes remains as steady as ever, if not increased.&nbsp; Hot Hen from Fleet Street Pub Spicy Lo Mein from PS Noodle Pothttp://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/june/music-city-dining-destinations
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/june/music-city-dining-destinationsFri, 08 June 2012 08:12:00 Maple Bacon Donuts at Nickel Diner21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/may/maple-bacon-donuts-at-the-nickel-dinerDo I love bacon? Yea, verily. Do I think bacon should be tacked on to every half-baked menu item or crammed into every available nook and cranny on the interwebs? Nope. From bacon sundaes and pancakes to baconnaise and bacon lip balm, bacon-mania has overstayed its welcome. I regularly indulge in the likes of turkey-avocado BLTs, bacon cheeseburgers and&nbsp; Benton's Bacon&nbsp; by its lonesome, but the novelty bacon food items have never done much for me. Until, that is, I found one that worked. That would be the Maple Bacon Donut from Nickel Diner in downtown&nbsp; Los Angeles&nbsp;-&nbsp;though its quality and staying power elevate its status above "novelty," in my book. With the convincing 1940's-style diner decor and the line of hipsters out the door, I couldn't help but wonder if Nickel Diner would favor style over substance or perhaps be "diner" food with a sly wink. But to their credit, they've kept the vibe and the food fairly down to earth with lightning fast service, bottomless cups of good coffee, and ample portions of diner classics from eggs any-style and French toast to burgers and huevos rancheros. A massive chilaquiles special impressed and the Hangover Helper - a scramble with bacon, Italian sausage, potatoes, cheese, avocado and salsa - proved tastier than just the sum of its parts. But alas, it's the donuts that have become their calling card. The Maple Bacon Donut arrived ceremoniously before the rest of the meal. And this was no dainty pastry: a fork and knife became necessary. A thin layer of maple glaze with substantial bacon chunks (bigger than bits at least) topped the thick cake donut. And the hype was well-deserved: it was mostly savory, but slightly sweet and the perfect complement to a cup of coffee. Not capable of finishing it in the mere minutes before my entree made its way to the table, I deferred the rest of my donut enjoyment until dessert. Non-bacon enthusiasts would do well to go with the cream-filled, chocolaty Irish Car Bomb donut or the Nutella donut (plotting my next visit already). So chalk one up for non-traditional bacon use. I'll still take a pass on cleansing my palate with the bacon mints or bacon beer.http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/may/maple-bacon-donuts-at-the-nickel-diner
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/may/maple-bacon-donuts-at-the-nickel-dinerThu, 31 May 2012 16:20:00 Tuesday Web Edibles21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/may/monday-web-ediblesTony Bourdain jumps networks, the most insufferable food trends, the discontinued ice cream graveyard and how to stir-fry vegetables on today's web roundup.&nbsp; No Reservations is no more: Anthony Bourdain will host a prime time weekend program on CNN in 2013. Larry Olmsted lists his 8 Worst Food Trends&nbsp;via Forbes. Food trucks, "Gastropubs that Aren't",&nbsp;Kobe beef [in America], and micro-distilleries all make the cut. A more cheerful cemetery than most: NPR profiles the Ben and Jerry's Graveyard of Shelved Ice Cream Flavors. Ice cream enthusiasts and sweet-tooth afflicted hippies alike can pay their respects to Makin' Whoopie Pie, From Russia with Buzz or Neapolitan Dynamite.&nbsp; The National Pork Board sends ThinkGeek a cease and desist letter over their use of the slogan "The other white meat" in reference to a fake product: canned unicorn meat.&nbsp; Fantastic food writer Peter Kaminsky discusses his latest book, Culinary Intelligeence: The Art of Eating Healthy (and Really Well)&nbsp; with Food Republic. On recent changes to the American diet, he says, "In the past 15 years, Americans have added 300 calories per day on average to their daily intake. Another thing I read was that if you asked people today what their ideal weight is, it's 15 pounds more than 15 or 20 years ago." The best techniques for stir-frying vegetables, from Grace Young via the Kitchn.&nbsp; Nobody puts baby bok choy in a corner. A wok will do just fine though.&nbsp;http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/may/monday-web-edibles
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/may/monday-web-ediblesTue, 29 May 2012 15:31:00 The 20 Best Barbecue Restaurants in America21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/may/the-20-best-bbq-restaurants-in-americaIn case you were otherwise unaware, May is national barbecue month. Not that we need a designated time to celebrate barbecue (which we do multiple times per week, year-round), but we thought it was a good enough excuse to introduce our list of the 20 Best Barbecue Restaurants in America. From the German-style meat markets in Texas to whole-hog shacks in eastern North Carolina, with stops along the way in Kansas City, Memphis, and even up north, a variety of regional styles and smoked meat preparations are represented on the list. Narrowing the selections down to 20 proved to be quite a undertaking, so we also included 42 additional honorable mentions&nbsp;which many 'cue enthusiasts - usually a contentious bunch - could make an argument for. The barbecue slideshow begins here. Cheers and may you all have a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day weekend. And when your neighbors inevitably invite you over "to barbecue," and all you are greeted with is charred burgers and a few sad little hot dogs, remind them they are merely "grilling out." Barbecue refers to a food far more sacred.&nbsp; Divine pulled pork sandwich from Central BBQ (Memphis)http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/may/the-20-best-bbq-restaurants-in-america
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/may/the-20-best-bbq-restaurants-in-americaFri, 25 May 2012 09:00:00 Thursday Web Edibles21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/may/thursday-web-ediblesToday's web roundup features beer popsicles, advancements in ketchup bottle technology, and deep-fried Girl Scout cookies. Mankind will never again have to search for beer and popsicles in two different places on a sweltering summer day. The Beeroness&nbsp;presents lemon pale ale&nbsp; beer popsicles. Oklahoma State University attempts to&nbsp; patent a steak, with plans of eventually selling it to restaurants, via NPR. &nbsp;Apparently there are still undiscovered cuts of cow. In further academic food developments, researchers at MIT have created a&nbsp; surface coating for ketchup (and other) bottles&nbsp;which allows the ketchup to exit easily. So much for your only super power/cocktail party trick. Garden &amp; Gun&nbsp;provides a recipe for&nbsp; deep-fried fruit pies&nbsp;with a history lesson as well. The Texas State Fair strikes again. This time, it's a deep-fried creation that might prove more delicious than abominable:&nbsp; the deep-fried Girl Scout cookie&nbsp;(Somoas, specifically).&nbsp; The Texas State Fair's motto should be, "Why not toss it in the deep fryer?"http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/may/thursday-web-edibles
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/may/thursday-web-ediblesThu, 24 May 2012 11:25:00 LocalEats Version 2.5 for the iPhone21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/may/localeats-version-25-for-the-iphoneHoly app evolution, Batman! We've released the latest update for our iPhone app, LocalEats version 2.5! What's new and exciting about this update, you ask? Well, there are the few requisite bug fixes and minor design adjustments that enhance performance and the user experience, but we won't bore you with the technical jargon. The most significant new development would be the improved search features that we've added. There's now a "search" button on the home screen as well as the bottom of the page, so that you can find great locally owned restaurants by name, the type of cuisine and location (by city, state, address or even landmark). As always, you can search for the closest restaurants using the "nearby" button on the root menu, but it's now easier than ever to run a super specific search such as "burgers" around your "current location." The new version of the app will also remember your last "where" search so that you don't have to start over every time you open the app. You can find more details on the&nbsp;LocalEats iTune page. As always, leave us some love (and stars) in the iTunes store, and feel free to contact us&nbsp;with any other questions, comments or concerns. Get thee to the App Store and update those apps, LocalEaters!&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/may/localeats-version-25-for-the-iphone
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/may/localeats-version-25-for-the-iphoneMon, 21 May 2012 13:30:00 The World Championship BBQ Cooking Contest21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/may/the-world-championship-bbq-cooking-contestThe sultans of swine, the kings of 'cue, the czars of char will gather today at Tom Lee Park on the riverfront for Memphis in May's World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest. Hundreds of competition barbecue teams will compete for cash, prizes and glory at this fantastic festival lasting from Thursday until Saturday evening (free admission between 11 am-1 pm Thu-Fri and $9 otherwise) If you've never been, it comes highly recommended. Cheekily themed competition booths, grown men in porcine costumes, live music, beer, barbecue and all the pork puns you can stomach are among the highlights. Just a sample of some of this year's best (and simultaneously worst) team names: The Bastey Boys, Crispy Critters, Reservoir Hogs, Serial Grillers, Slab Techs, Chauvinist Pig, and so on, and so forth. Technically, you're not allowed to sample the competition 'cue from these teams (unless you know someone or can schmooze your way in), but you can purchase barbecue from a number of great vendors. Make a point not to miss the Miss Piggy Idol Contest, a costumed singing competition between the teams.&nbsp; For the best food festivals and shindigs in the country, visit our food events homepage.&nbsp;And if the BBQ festival leaves you craving more barbecue - this will happen - take a gander at our list of the best barbecue restaurants in Memphis. &nbsp; How many slabs of dry-rubbed ribs can we fit on there? One of many punnily named teams: The People's Republic of Swinahttp://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/may/the-world-championship-bbq-cooking-contest
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/may/the-world-championship-bbq-cooking-contestThu, 17 May 2012 12:00:00 Devouring Chattanooga21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/may/devouring-chattanoogaOn a whirlwind trip through Chattanooga, I had the good fortune of dining at some of the best restaurants in the charming, refurbished downtown. (Here's our complete list of Chattanooga restaurants).&nbsp;First stop upon rolling into town: Champy's Famous Fried Chicken, on the outskirts of downtown.&nbsp;This no-frills, Mississippi-inspired roadhouse doesn't mess around, advertising "blues, brews and bird." Fried chicken, hot tamales and cold beers under a shaded patio proved to be the perfect remedy for a hot Saturday afternoon. The bird itself is ultra-moist on the inside, slightly crispy on the outside, and holds just enough grease to remind you that it's fried chicken. And just in case you can't finish a 40 oz beer before your hand starts warming it, Champy's has got you covered with their signature koozies designed for 40's. &nbsp; After a light lunch of fried chicken, tamales, coleslaw, baked beans, french fries and beer, it was only a matter of hours before my appetite resurfaced. Stepping up to save me from perilous hunger pangs was The Public House. Located on Warehouse road,&nbsp;The Public House strikes a rare (and fantastic) balance between casual atmosphere and serious cuisine. The straightforward menu of Southern favorites lacks flowery language or confusing foodie buzzwords, but superior ingredients and knowledge of Southern cookery shine through. Pork tenderloin with grits and a bourbon-molasses sauce was excellent, as was a perfectly battered fish sandwich (a huge cod filet soaked in hot sauce overnight), but a brilliant, baked macaroni and cheese stole this show. Be warned: The large side is sufficient for a table of 3 or 4. Bonus points for the great patio and creative cocktails named after Pixies songs (Monkey Gone to Heaven, Is She Weird?). One last venue well-worth a mention and a visit (particularly for craft beer enthusiasts) is The Terminal.&nbsp;Next door to the historic Chattanooga Choo Choo Terminal Station (hence the clever name), the Terminal occupies the restored early 20th century building that was once an easy access hotel for train passengers. The lovely rooftop garden patio is an ideal spot to enjoy one of the great beers brewed in house - the malty German-style Maibock, the bold, hoppy West Coast IPA (Magnum P.A) and the Belgian White are all solid bets. There's decent pub grub to be had as well -- &nbsp;take a chance on the Philosopher's Burger, a heavily seasoned lamb burger topped with candied red onions and a feta aioli. There's a lot going on there, but it works.&nbsp; Alas, my time was limited. And though I did get to see seven states and an equally kitschy and creepy UV-lit fairy tale gnome village at Rock City, I didn't get around to eating and seeing everything on my itinerary. Next time, I'll hit up the legendary pancakes at Aretha Frankenstein's&nbsp;and revisit the aquarium so that I can pet the catfish. Yes, you can pet the fish. No, you cannot take the fish home and fry it.&nbsp; Bird is the word at Champy's. Tamales is a good word, too.&nbsp;http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/may/devouring-chattanooga
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/may/devouring-chattanoogaFri, 11 May 2012 16:45:00 The 2012 James Beard Foundation Awards21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/may/the-2012-james-beard-foundation-awardsThe much anticipated 2012 James Beard Restaurant &amp; Chef Awards dropped last evening. Taking home top honors were Boulevard (San Francisco) for Outstanding Restaurant, Tom Douglas for Outstanding Restaurateur (Dahlia Lounge and Etta's in Seattle) and Daniel Humm of Eleven Madison Park (NYC) for Outstanding Chef (national). The regional winners are listed below. Follow the link for the complete list of&nbsp;2012 James Beard Awards. Best Chef: Great Lakes Bruce Sherman North Pond Chicago, IL Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic Maricel Presilla Cucharamama Hoboken, NJ Best Chef: Midwest Tory Miller L'Etoile Madison, WI Best Chef: New York City Michael Anthony Gramercy Tavern Best Chef: Northeast Tim Cushman O Ya Boston, MA Best Chef: Northwest Matt Dillon Sitka &amp; Spruce Seattle, WA Best Chef: Pacific Matt Molina Osteria Mozza Los Angeles Best Chef: South Chris Hastings Hot and Hot Fish Club Birmingham, AL Best Chef: Southeast Hugh Acheson Five and Ten Athens, GA Linton Hopkins Restaurant Eugene Atlanta, GA Best Chef: Southwest Paul Qui Uchiko Austin, TX Best New Restaurant Next Chicago, ILhttp://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/may/the-2012-james-beard-foundation-awards
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/may/the-2012-james-beard-foundation-awardsTue, 08 May 2012 13:40:00 The Edible Web: Stay Puft Edition21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/may/the-edible-web-stay-puft-editionBourdain has fightin' words for a food writer, the existence of real Stay Puft Marshmallows and a visitor's guide to NYC dining on today's web roundup.&nbsp; Anthony Bourdain calls an as yet unidentified food journalist, "the most vicious, abusive, misogynistic, back-biting, piece of [expletive] I have ever met in my life," via Eater. Perhaps tonight's episode of No Reservations will shed some light on the situation. In more redeeming news for food writers, the James Beard Foundation announced their Book, Broadcast and Journalism winners for 2012.&nbsp; Still riding your Cinco de Mayo momentum? Michelle Poveda provides Margarita Do's and Dont's for the Huffington Post. Our advice: avoid the sugary mix altogether and keep it simple. Or closely follow the&nbsp;recipe for the perfect margarita&nbsp;from our resident chef, Dixie Wong. Stay Puft Marshmallows&nbsp;apparently exist now according to Foodiggity - hopefully not a sign of an impending 2012 apocalypse. Ghostbusters fans fear human sacrifice, dogs and cats living together, mass hysteria to come.&nbsp; Serious Eats compiles a list of the best places to eat in New York City&nbsp;for a first time visitor on a two-day trip. Bagels at Murray's, pizza by the slice at Joe's, a hot dog at Gray's Papaya and of course,&nbsp; pastrami from Katz's are among their choices if you prefer a "classic itinerary."&nbsp; The world's best pastrami at Katz's Delicatessenhttp://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/may/the-edible-web-stay-puft-edition
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/may/the-edible-web-stay-puft-editionMon, 07 May 2012 12:45:00 The 65-cent Burger21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/may/the-65-cent-burgerA certain casual dining restaurant chain is offering 65-cent burgers. We explore. &nbsp; First things first. We don't include chains in our restaurant listings here at LocalEats. Not the kind that stretch across multiple states, provide unlimited breadsticks or have Jackalopes wearing sunglasses on the walls. If a beloved, successful restaurant sprouts a few regional locations and keeps it in the family, we've got no problem with that. And though it is our mission to spotlight only the best locally owned restaurants and guide users to them (and away from the mega-chains), sometimes desperation and/or curiosity get the better of us in our everyday lives. Today, Shoney's, an "American Family Dining Restaurant" boasting over 240 units, celebrates their 65th anniversary by selling their "All-American Burger" for 65 cents. A few other hunger-stricken employees and I caught wind of this and remembered that there's a well-worn Shoney's at the bottom of the treacherous hill that our office sits atop. Eventually curiosity, hunger and our cheapskate tendencies won out. A restaurant burger for 65 cents: it couldn't be that bad, right?&nbsp; When I think of Shoney's, I recall many-a trip to the breakfast bar after church with my siblings. We were partial to the French toast sticks, which of course could be topped with cherries (or strawberries) in a gloopy, sugar-shock inducing syrup. After the meal, we'd race to grab a free lollipop out of the cardboard tree - invariably, an already opened (possibly pre-used) sucker would be sticking to the others. It'd been quite a few days since I darkened the doorway of a Shoney's. Anyway, on to the burgers. The crowded lobby and short wait indicated that the promotion was a success, considering it was Thursday lunch at a somewhat hard to find location. The 65-cent burger came by itself on a sad little styrofoam plate with a miniature American flag toothpick sticking in it (proudly claiming this burger for the U.S. of A.). As for the quality: not too bad. It came topped with the usual suspects: a large serving of shredded iceburg lettuce, two red onion circles, two pickles and a couple of flavorless tomatoes. The meat was fairly dry and the bun buttered to high heaven. That being said, it was a satisfactory enough burger on the whole. Better than a typical fast-food burger, but slightly inferior to your average casual chain concept burger. It was well-worth the 65 cents - perhaps just not the $5.99 it normally fetches. Much to the chagrin of our friendly waitress, we didn't opt for dessert. The drinks and sides padded the check sufficiently. Don't expect an upcoming report when they give away free pieces of their famous (for the wrong reasons) strawberry pie at the end of the month.&nbsp;http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/may/the-65-cent-burger
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/may/the-65-cent-burgerThu, 03 May 2012 16:35:00 The Top 50 Restaurants in the World21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/may/the-top-50-restaurants-in-the-worldRestaurant magazine has announced its annual list of The World's 50 Best Restaurants. Taking top honors again is Noma of Copenhagen. The US doesn't possess a restaurant in the top five, but it does boast the most restaurants on the list with 8 total. They include … Per Se, NYC (6) Alinea, Chicago (7) Eleven Madison Park, NYC (10) Le Bernadin, NYC (19) Daniel, NYC (25) Momofuku Ssam, NYC (37) The French Laundry, Yountville, CA (43) Manresa, Los Gatos, CA (48) &nbsp; Not a lot of burger bars, doner kebab stalls or barbecue joints on this list, but who are we to argue with "the opinions and experiences of over 800 international restaurant industry experts." For the complete rundown, follow the link.&nbsp;http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/may/the-top-50-restaurants-in-the-world
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/may/the-top-50-restaurants-in-the-worldTue, 01 May 2012 12:27:00 Eating the Obvious: Seafood Enchiladas in Houston21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/april/eating-the-obvious-seafood-enchiladas-in-houstonAt LocalEats, we pride ourselves on finding backwoods barbecue shacks, surprising strip mall sushi and back alley burger joints, but we're not entirely about obscurity. Sometimes the most renowned restaurant in a city is popular for a reason. And there's no better way to acclimate yourself to a new place than eating the foods that it's most well-known for. With eating the obvious, I'm featuring restaurants and foods that are no-brainers in their respective markets. So far, I've examined shrimp and grits in Charleston, Primanti Bros in Pittsburgh, deep dish pizza in Chicago and a few others. Today's entry: seafood enchiladas at Pico's Mex-Mex in Houston.&nbsp; While visiting Houston for a recent family wedding, my responsibilities were minimal (a wise choice by the wedding planners). Working around the festivities, I had plenty of time to fulfill a few leisurely pursuits on my travel agenda. These goals were pretty much limited to 1. quality time at the hotel pool - it was in the high 90s - and 2. voraciously devouring the best Mexican food I could locate. Fortuitously, a few of the other guests and I stumbled upon Pico's Mex-Mex&nbsp;in Bellaire. A local favorite since 1984, Pico's features a palapa-covered outdoor patio and an interior bedecked with exotic potted plants and a fountain in the middle of the restaurant. Mexican seafood specialties are the order of the day here. Given the relative proximity to the Gulf, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to focus on the aquatic edibles available on the menu. Fresh fish and gulf shrimp ceviche made for an excellent start to our meal with cilantro, chopped serrano peppers and plenty of lime juice. The star of the show was the superb seafood enchiladas, stuffed with shrimp and crab meat and topped with a flavorful (but not too rich) poblano cream sauce and Chihuahua cheese. Other favorites of the table included the spicy crawfish enchiladas and the camarones Adobados: charcoal-broiled, bacon-wrapped jumbo shrimp in a tangy adobo sauce. Bonus points for the perfectly balanced, not-too-sweet margaritas, which each arrived with a kitschy cocktail shaker.&nbsp;http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/april/eating-the-obvious-seafood-enchiladas-in-houston
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/april/eating-the-obvious-seafood-enchiladas-in-houstonMon, 30 April 2012 15:45:00 Local Tweats Index21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/april/local-tweats-indexA tasty compilation of the best food and restaurant tweets of the week. Twitter tends to be saturated with asinine trending topics, excessive self-promotion and unintelligible tweetspeak that those over the age of 22 may have trouble deciphering. But, it's also proved to be a valuable social media platform for restaurants, celebrity chefs and anyone who can't stop photographing their food. Here are a handful of excellent food-related tweets from the past week. As always, you can find us on Twitter @LocalEaters. Greg Elwell (@elwelleats): "I don't know you, but there's a better than average chance that I love brie more than I like you."&nbsp; There is no love more sincere than a man's love of cheese.&nbsp; Don Draper: (@DonDraperSCDP) "No one doesn't like orange sherbet." In the 60's, refusing orange sherbet was apparently sufficient grounds for abandoning your wife at the HoJo. Matt Roller: (@rolldiggity): "A customer asked for crushed ice, so I took some cubes out behind the&nbsp; restaurant&nbsp;and screamed, 'YOU'LL NEVER BE IN A FANCY DRINK!' " I've heard of alcohol abuse, but this is ridiculous. Andy Borowitz (@BorowitzReport): "Cable TV is now evenly divided between shows about preparing food and shows about losing weight."&nbsp; Paula Deen's cooking show and diabetes drug endorsement deal operate on the same principle.&nbsp; Jonathan Gold: (@thejGold): "Soju and level-ten blood sausage boekkum may not have been the best idea for a 1 a.m. snack." Oof. Even the questionable late-night dining choices of a food critic are still fairly sophistimacated. Grub Street New York&nbsp;(@GrubStreetNY): "The Kardashian-Fatty Crew restaurant has a name.&nbsp; http://nym.ag/JDMABJ&nbsp;Unfortunately, it's not Fatty Kardashian." Considering the restaurant will be in the Meatpacking District, Grub Street took the high road by merely making a fat joke. Way to not reach for the low hanging fruit (the apple bottom?) Oh No She Twitnt (OhNoSheTwitnt): "If I met a mad cow I'd just whip out my Cheshire cat and he'd be like 'most everyone's mad here!' and then we'd butcher the cow &amp; eat steaks." Is it wrong to be slightly excited about the return (or comeback, if you will) of mad cow? I love the 90's!! Michael Ian Black (@MichaelIanBlack): "Dear President Obama, please make them give us chips and salsa at every restaurant, not just Mexican ones." This is some truly progressive political thinking. Would love to one day hear the words "Senator Ian Black" on C-SPAN. You tweet, therefore I am.&nbsp;http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/april/local-tweats-index
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/april/local-tweats-indexThu, 26 April 2012 15:30:00 Tuesday Web Edibles21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/april/tuesday-web-ediblesToday's tasty links explore Sichuan fried peanuts, deli-going ducks and the truth behind brain freeze.&nbsp; Jonathan Gold, settling into his new gig at the LA Times, details his love of&nbsp; spicy Sichuan fried peanuts in the San Gabriel Valley.&nbsp; Marisa Tomei was a big fan of Di Fara Pizza before it was cool, via Grub Street. She also has a thing for&nbsp;short, stocky bald men.&nbsp; And in unbearably cute food news, a duck who routinely frequents the same deli brings along her adorable, fuzzy young'uns for daily bread crumbs. Elizabeth Gunnison of Esquire's Eat Like A Man blog runs down 5 tips for better pasta&nbsp;dishes at home. You're doing it wrong. &nbsp; Gizmodo gets to the bottom of the true cause of&nbsp; ice cream headaches. No, it's not global warming, the&nbsp;Heat Miser or the liberal media.&nbsp; If you can't take the freeze, you'd best stick to astronaut ice cream. Or just eat slowly.&nbsp;http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/april/tuesday-web-edibles
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/april/tuesday-web-ediblesTue, 24 April 2012 15:10:00 The Edible Web: Amazing Breakthroughs in Pizza21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/april/the-edible-web-amazing-breakthroughs-in-pizzaPete Wells of the New York Times explores the fried pizza phenomenon. Relax; it's just the crust that's fried. This ain't the Texas State Fair.&nbsp; Speaking of food abominations, Stephen Colbert celebrates Pizza Hut's hot dog stuffed crust pizza. "I've always been a fan of unexpected hog dogs." Oliver Thring of the Guardian taste tests the aforementioned&nbsp; hot dog stuffed crust pizza (it's currently only available in UK). The somewhat surprising verdict: delicious.&nbsp; The Daily Meal posts a recipe for "Irish Pizza" with soda bread crust and Irish Cheddar. I'd think twice before confounding your Irish grandparents with this.&nbsp; Our favorite minimalist,&nbsp; Mark Bittman, instructs on "How to make pizza better than a restaurant." Cornmeal is crucial to prevent the dough from sticking to the surface. Food trucks are over. Food Piaggio Apes are the ticket. Slice (Serious Eats) takes a look at Pizza Pilgrims, who have impressively fashioned their tiny, three-wheeled Italian van with a wood-fired pizza oven. Archived pizza goodness: an older blog post on my own personal pizza pilgrimage to New Haven.&nbsp; Signature White Clam Pizza from Frank Pepe, New Haven, CT&nbsp;http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/april/the-edible-web-amazing-breakthroughs-in-pizza
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/april/the-edible-web-amazing-breakthroughs-in-pizzaWed, 18 April 2012 13:30:00 Eating the Obvious: Deep Dish at Pequod's in Chicago21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/april/eating-the-obvious-deep-dish-at-pequods-in-chicagoWe all love finding a great restaurant off the beaten path. There's the thrill of discovery, and with great obscurity comes greater street cred (or internet foodie cred, at least). And though many famous restaurants can rest on their laurels and rely on a steady stream of tourists, some restaurants are iconic and well-loved for good reason. And sometimes there's no better way to acclimate yourself with a new city than eating the most obvious indigenous foodstuff. With Eating the Obvious series, I'm taking a look at these restaurants and foods. This week's entry: deep dish pizza from Pequod'sin Chicago. Neapolitan pizzerias are spreading like wildfire across the country. The nation's trendiest pizzerias are shipping in their ovens from Naples and refuse to slice your pizza (as it will comprise their integrity and bring shame to their Nonna).&nbsp;But with all due respect to Neapolitan-style pizza in general (which I'm a fan of), when I'm in Chicago, my first priority is deep dish. Whereas you can find great wood-fired thin crust pizza just about anywhere, it's damn near impossible to locate a quality molten-hot, multi-layered pan pizza outside of the Windy City. &nbsp; On my last trip to Chicago, my gracious hosts were kind enough to fulfill my deep-dish desires by chauffeuring me to the Lincoln Square&nbsp;Pequod's. (There's also a&nbsp;Morton Grove&nbsp;location that looks, in the best way possible, like your parents' basement circa 1975). With a couple of obligatory inches of snow on the ground, the Bears playing on the many TV's and pitchers of Leinenkugel, it was shaping up to be a sufficiently Chicago-y evening. After ordering and enduring a moderate wait - this ain't no cracker-thin, brick-oven affair that's done in 3 minutes - our sizeable pizzas made their way to the table, nearly bubbling out of their hefty cast iron pans, which were lowered onto whale-shaped cutting boards.&nbsp;(It's called Pequod's for a reason, folks. Who said pizza joints can't have high culture?)&nbsp;Toppings are top-notch, with thick-cut pepperoni and real-deal sausage that'll make you wonder why you ever bothered with the rubbery mystery meat from your average delivery place. The unquestioned star of the show, however, is the signature "caramelized crust," and the &nbsp;deliciously charred cheese around the edges. It's every bit as good as advertised. Slipping into a deep food coma after attempting to polish off 3 pieces, I can't decide whether it's a curse or a blessing that I lack regular access to something as wonderful as legit Chicago-style pizza. &nbsp;http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/april/eating-the-obvious-deep-dish-at-pequods-in-chicago
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/april/eating-the-obvious-deep-dish-at-pequods-in-chicagoMon, 16 April 2012 12:30:00 The Edible Web: America's Best Steak Houses21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/april/the-edible-web-americas-best-steak-housesUSA Today recently released their list of the&nbsp; Top 10 Steakhouses in USA. Their choices include the likes of Bern's Steak House (Tampa), Bob's Steak &amp; Chop House (Dallas), Bobo's (San Francisco), Carnevino (Las Vegas), Chicago Cut Steakhouse (Chicago), CUT&nbsp;(Beverly Hills), Elway's (Denver), Emeril's Delmonico (New Orleans), Peter Luger Steak House (Brooklyn) and The Precinct (Cincinnati). Read the full article here. Quite an impressive selection of meat museums there. Just for fun, let's compare it to our own list of&nbsp; America's 10 best steak houses. There's some overlap, but a few of our differing selections include The Angus Barn (Raleigh), Bone's (Atlanta), Cattleman's Steakhouse (Oklahoma City) and Charley's Steak House (Orlando). You can also browse our picks for the&nbsp; best steak houses in the country in our top 50 cities.&nbsp; Keeping things meaty,&nbsp;Eatocracy&nbsp;endorses&nbsp; 5 cuts of meat to purchase for grilling season. I do love a good skirt steak. (Try marinating it with beer, lime juice, cayenne, cumin and Allegro).&nbsp; Raining on the steak parade, Josh Ozersky explores The Problem with The American Steakhouse&nbsp;in a great article for Time magazine: "Steakhouses are not really restaurants, in the strictest sense: they are closer in spirit to strip clubs or spas, places to which people repair for rites of costly self-indulgence, Dionysian revels in which stressed businessmen or harried wives vent their hypertension." Agreed that the hefty pricetag at some steak houses is more for the nostalgia and the "No Girls Allowed" clubby atmosphere than the actual quality of the beef.&nbsp; In case you missed it, our resident chef, Dixie Wong, posted a fantastic Beef Wellington recipe to celebrate the return of Mad Men.&nbsp; When manning the grill, always ask yourself: What would Hank Hill do?&nbsp;http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/april/the-edible-web-americas-best-steak-houses
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/april/the-edible-web-americas-best-steak-housesWed, 11 April 2012 14:27:00 The Best Locally Owned Restaurants in Denver21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/april/the-best-locally-owned-restaurants-in-denverDenver may be having the best month ever. First, the Broncos landed Peyton Manning, who will no doubt drastically improve the quality of the local TV commercials. And now, we've expanded and revised our list of the best locally owned Denver restaurants. Also,&nbsp;Rioja chef Jennifer Jasinski survived the latest round of cuts to become a James Beard Award finalist for Best Chef: Southwest. It's not such a bad time to be mile high. Here's a look at our Top 100 Denver restaurants. New additions to the list include: Axios Estiatorio Biker Jim's Gourmet Dogs Bittersweet CafeBar ChoLon Euclid Hall Bar &amp; Kitchen Fuel Café Gaia Bistro Il Posto Jabo's Bar-Be-Q Jelly Le Grand Bistro &amp; Oyster Bar Linger Lola Pinche Taqueria Queen of Sheba Row 14 Bistro &amp; Wine Bar Star Kitchenhttp://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/april/the-best-locally-owned-restaurants-in-denver
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/april/the-best-locally-owned-restaurants-in-denverTue, 10 April 2012 16:29:00 10 Great Diner Scenes in Movies21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/april/10-great-diner-scenes-in-moviesThe diner is as American as a slice of cheese on a piece of apple pie. Be it Greek or Ukrainian, soda shop or truck stop, in the deep South or New York City, no style of restaurant better represents the melting pot that is our country than the diner (the salad bowl analogy is probably more accurate than melting pot, but diners and salads don't belong together, even metaphorically). If you're on the road or find yourself in need of that elusive 3 am plate of eggs, take a look at our list of the&nbsp;Top 10 Diners in America&nbsp;as well as the Best Diners in our top 50 cities. The versatility and retro good looks of diners lend themselves well to film. They're a great gathering place for detectives and police to review findings. Conversely, they provide coffee and waffles in the wee hours for amateur thieves laying out the plans for their next heist. They display small town charm with heavily accented friendly folk or backwoods danger with burly characters that don't take kindly to city types. More often than not, there's a surly waitress waiting with a good one liner. Without further ado, here are some of the best diner scenes in film. Anyone familiar with Twin Peaks knows David Lynch has a thing for diners - much is made of the great coffee and cherry pie at the Double R Diner. He takes it to another level of creepy in Mullholland Drive. Winkie's is the kind of establishment an average Joe or aspiring startlet can escape to feel normal. But dark forces are at work behind the dumpster out back - the kind involving a terrifying hobo and his magical time-warp box. The thrilling conclusion of Quinton Tarrantino's Pulp Fiction takes place with one final stand off in an LA diner. Vincent Vega (John Travolta) and Jules Winfield (Samuel L. Jackson), in their dorkiest outfits, discuss the finer points of "digging on swine" and the merits of a pig's personality before two lesser seasoned criminals hold up the restaurant.&nbsp; In the Coen Brothers criminally underrated The Hudsucker Proxy, two cab drivers sit at the counter at a New York diner and suddenly become the narrators for the following scene. Amy Archer (Jennifer Jason Leigh) plays on the naivety of Norville Barnes (Tim Robbins), whom our narrators correctly assess when they repeat: "He don't look wise." I'd be remiss to compile a list of diner scenes and not include one of the most famous restaurant scenes in film from&nbsp;5 Easy Pieces. Drifter-savant&nbsp;Jack Nicholson outwits a stubborn waitress and circumvents a nonsensical substitution policy. Don't recommend trying this at your local greasy spoon.&nbsp; In Superman II, the roadside diner is a place inhabited by roughnecks looking to make inapproppriate comments to women and fight any haughty big city types. Superman takes a rare beating&nbsp;after giving up his powers (no clip this time, follow the link). After he regains them later in the movie, he returns to avenge the beatdown (petty revenge is clearly more important than saving the world at the moment).&nbsp; With Goodfellas, we see the diner as a safe, familiar place. A public place where you're less likely to get whacked. Though technically a donut shop, Stan Mikita's Donuts in Wayne's World has all the familiar symptoms of a diner. It's a late-night hangout for disaffected youth, a gathering spot for characters to review recent events, and it has a deranged, sleep-deprived proprietor who waxes psychotic to anyone within earshot, including the cameraman. In the 2004 remake of The Ladykillers, our ragtag bunch of incompetent criminals (a common Coen Brothers theme) led by professor G.H. Dorr (Tom Hanks) gathers at the Waffle Hut to fine-tune the schematics of their casino heist. After bringing his lady friend along to the meeting, the judgment of the tastily named Garth Pancake (J.K. Simmons) is questioned. &nbsp;&nbsp; In Groundhog Day, the local diner in Punxsutawney is particularly diner-y with waitresses named Doris and Alice and patrons with names like Gus. Cheer up, Bill Murray. There are worse fates than being doomed to eat at the same diner every day.&nbsp; In Mel Brook's Spaceballs, the diner is some sort of hybrid of 50's diner and truck stop ... but in space. The special&nbsp;is not recommended.&nbsp;http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/april/10-great-diner-scenes-in-movies
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/april/10-great-diner-scenes-in-moviesMon, 09 April 2012 15:00:00 Food &amp; Wine's Best New Chefs of 201221241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/april/food-wines-best-new-chefs-of-2012The results are in! Food and Wine has named its Best New Chefs of 2012.&nbsp;With only 10 winners, all of whom boast impressive culinary credentials and white-hot restaurants, this ain't no Daytime Emmys or insiders' awards club. This year's recipients of the prestigious honor include: &nbsp;Erik Anderson &amp; Josh Habiger, The Catbird Seat (Nashville, TN) &nbsp;Danny Grant, RIA (Chicago, IL) &nbsp;Dan Kluger, ABC Kitchen&nbsp;(New York, NY) &nbsp;Corey Lee, Benu (San Francisco, CA) &nbsp;Jenn Louis, Lincoln (Portland, OR) &nbsp;Cormac Mahoney, Madison Park Conservatory (Seattle, WA) &nbsp;Bryant Ng, The Spice Table (Los Angeles, CA) &nbsp;Karen Nicolas, Equinox (Washington, DC) &nbsp;Rich Torrisi &amp; Mario Carbone, Torrisi Italian Specialties (New York, NY) &nbsp;Blaine Wetzel, Willows Inn (Lummi Island, WA) For full bios of this years winners, stroll on over to&nbsp;Food &amp; Wine.http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/april/food-wines-best-new-chefs-of-2012
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/april/food-wines-best-new-chefs-of-2012Thu, 05 April 2012 11:33:00 Local Tweats Roundup21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/april/local-tweats-roundupA tasty collection of the best food and restaurant tweets of the last two weeks. Twitter tends to be cluttered with asinine trending topics, endless self-promotion and unintelligible tweetspeak that those over the age of 22 may have trouble deciphering. But, it's also proved to be a valuable social media platform for restaurants, food photographers and celebrity chefs. Here are a handful of excellent food-related tweets from the past couple of weeks. As always, you can find us on Twitter @LocalEaters. Andrew Knowlton ( @AndrewKnowlton):&nbsp;"Something about multi-colored tortilla chips that makes me think less of Mexican joint serving them. Justified?" Completely. Goes doubly for places that serve radioacative neon green margaritas. Alton Brown (@AltonBrown): "I am turning away from my media career to focus exclusively on producing artisanal bacon-bit peanut butter." Though we've gone too far with bacon-infused everything, I'd get behind this. Matt Yglesias ( @Mattyglesias):&nbsp;"Has anyone in human history ever gone to a restaurant website and been disappointed by the absence of music?" Nope. I also doubt anyone's ever bemoaned the lack of Flash Animation on a restaurant website.&nbsp; John ( @sarcasticapple):"Restaurant bills sometimes come with complimentary mints, it would be nice if electricity bills came with a little bowl of AA batteries."&nbsp; Conan O'Brien&nbsp; ( @ConanObrien): "Anyone else worried that we're in the midst of a cupcake store bubble?" Less worried and more ready for it burst.&nbsp; Tumblr Funniest Post ( @tumblrfunniest): "My friend said 'Onions are the only food that can make you cry.' That was before I hit him in the face with a watermelon. #tumblrfunniest" I guess someone had to pick up the slack following Gallagher's retirement.&nbsp; Ray Isle ‏ (@islewine): Ad on the subway for soup w 'artificial goat flavor.' Why do I find that so much more disturbing than artificial beef flavor?"&nbsp; Neil deGrasse Tyson ‏ (@neiltyson) "Yup. If pasta &amp; antipasta ever touch, they annihilate. For your safety, that's why restaurants never serve them together." World's funniest astrophysicist. How can you not love this guy?&nbsp; Kat Kinsman ( @kittenwithawhip): "Just read the phrase 'penetrates deeply into the ham' in a press release &amp; may need a moment to heal."&nbsp; Not sure how that got by their copy editors. Don't call me Tweety.&nbsp;http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/april/local-tweats-roundup
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/april/local-tweats-roundupWed, 04 April 2012 11:29:00 MLB Opening Day Dining Guide21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/april/mlb-opening-day-dining-guideLet's just disregard those bizarre first couple of games in Japan and declare Wednesday the official start of Major League Baseball. And what would baseball be without ballpark food? Hot dogs, peanuts, Cracker Jacks and ice cream served in little plastic helmets are among the classics, but many stadiums specialize in regional foodstuffs or even have kiosks run by local restaurants. You can get a lobster roll at Fenway Park (pronounced lobstaaah) or a cheesesteak from Tony Luke's at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. Thursday marks the first full day of MLB games, so we've compiled a list of some of the best ballpark foods for the teams hosting games. And if you'd prefer nosh pre- or post-game, follow the links to find great locally owned restaurants near the stadiums. Braves vs. Mets Doc Gooden, Mookie Wilson and Darryl Strawberry will not be making comebacks anytime soon. The glory days of charmingly rickety Shea Stadium are gone. On the plus side, shiny new Citi Field vies for some of MLB's best concessions with the likes of hot dogs from&nbsp;Nathan's Famous&nbsp;and a trio of Danny Meyer endeavors with Blue Smoke, Shake Shack and El Verano Taqueria. restaurants near Citi Field Red Sox vs. Tigers Two hungry teams here. We already know the Red Sox bullpen craves beer and chicken (no judgment here, we're familiar with such shortcomings), and newly acquired Tiger Prince Fielder is not a man of modest appetites. Inside the stadium, fans can enjoy legit Detroit-style coneys (all-natural casing dog covered with chili, mustard and onions), elephant ears (the northerly cousin of the funnel cake) and, of course, Little Caesar's Pizza - Michael Ilitch owns the Tigers and Little Caesar's. restaurants near Comerica Park&nbsp; Phillies vs. Pirates Don't overlook the Pirates. They spent a thrilling 5 days atop the NL Central last year. 'Twas fun while it lasted. The long suffering fans can take solace in a variety of stadium food such as pierogies, barbecue from Manny's (named for former catcher Manny Sanguillen) and fantastic&nbsp;Primanti Bros sandwiches (coleslaw and fries come on the sandwich from this glorious Steel City institutionz). restaurants near PNC Park Nationals vs. Cubs Do they still play the blues in Chicago, when baseball season rolls around? It's a good thing Steve Goodman didn't live to see the Bartman debacle. The "ivy covered burial ground" of the Cubbies serves up Chicago appropriate foods such as Vienna beef hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches and&nbsp; D'Agostino's Pizza. restaurants near Wrigley Field Blue Jays vs. Indians At Progressive Field, you can top your Sugardale hot dog or one of the signature "l" shaped soft pretzels with Bertman Ballpark Mustard, which as been part of Cleveland Indians concessions since the 1920s. Wash it down with a sudsy refreshment from Your Dad's Beer, featuring throwback brews such as Iron City, Blatz, Stroh's and Genessee - just like your old man used to sip between angry outbursts at the TV. restaurants near Progressive Field Dodgers vs. Padres Will Yonder Alonso be the savior of the Padres franchise (apologies, Jesus Guzman). With a name like that, how could he not be? Petco Park offers a veritable smorgasbord of west coast delights, from sushi and pot stickers to fish tacos and other seafood specialties.&nbsp; restaurants&nbsp;near Petco Park Marlins vs. Reds It's a wonder moustached mascot Mr. Redlegs keeps such a trim figure with fried bologna sandwiches, Montgomery Inn barbecue and Skyline Chili topped hot dogs among the offerings at Great American Ball Park. If you really want to put your stomach on the 3-day DL, go with the meat lover's hot dog: a deep fried dog topped with chili, cheese and fried salami. restaurants near Great American Ball Park Maybe the extra calories go straight to his head?http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/april/mlb-opening-day-dining-guide
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/april/mlb-opening-day-dining-guideMon, 02 April 2012 11:41:00 The Edible Web Thursday21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/march/the-edible-web-thursdayWhat wines pair well with hot dogs? More than none. Ray Isle, executive wine editor at Food and Wine shares a few at Eatocracy. Champagne and corndogs: together at last.&nbsp; Jon Stewart riffs on pink slime for 8 minutes on last night's The&nbsp;Daily Show, via Eater. Who'd have thought "finally textured beef" actually means "ammonia-soaked centrifuge separated byproduct paste." Adam Roberts of Amateur Gourmet&nbsp;poses a frighteningly pertinent question: are food blogs over?&nbsp;His answer is "hardly," (phew!) but he points out that their survival hinges on more innovation and fewer copycats. Living mas? No es bueno. Emma Courtland of LA Weekly tries Taco Bell's Doritos Locos Taco, which "tastes ever so slightly of broken dreams." After last week's "red meat causes early death" study and this week's "you've been eating pink slime" hysteria, some good news about my dietary habits: Eating Curry Could Prevent Heart Disease, from Huffington Post Food.&nbsp; Chicken Madras curry from the Man Bites Food home kitchen. Finally, something I regularly eat that's not taking years off my life.&nbsp;http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/march/the-edible-web-thursday
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/march/the-edible-web-thursdayThu, 29 March 2012 16:30:00 Final Four Dining Guide: New Orleans21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/march/final-four-dining-guide-new-orleansThe field of 68 has been whittled down to the Final Four teams. We've seen some great basketball, though the waning seconds of a game have yet to produce a signature finish - at this rate One Shining Moment is going to consist of clutch free throws and missed desperation heaves. More excitement is on the horizon, though, as Rick Pitino faces his former team in a grudge match which may leave the Commonwealth of Kentucky in shambles. For those traveling to partake of the Final Four festivities, don't neglect to plot out a well-crafted dining agenda. There are countless great restaurants near the Superdome&nbsp;(or at least en route to the venue). Or if you're looking to get your nosh on further away from the madness, here's our complete list of the best locally owned New Orleans restaurants. The editors at LocalEats have also recently compiled a list of our favorite Crescent City dishes. We're just crossing our fingers that New Orleans, among our most revered food cities, survives the impending Kentuckalypse. After all the furor, the winner of Kansas/Ohio State will probably be cutting down the nets, anyway.&nbsp; Cruise uptown to Pascal's Manale for the best bbq shrimp you'll ever have the pleasure of tasting.&nbsp;http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/march/final-four-dining-guide-new-orleans
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/march/final-four-dining-guide-new-orleansWed, 28 March 2012 11:10:00 The Edible Web: Mad Men Edition21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/march/the-edible-web-mad-men-editionStock the bar with Old Fashioned fixins' and dust off your chip'n'dip, the new season of Mad Men premieres on AMC this Sunday.&nbsp;And though brown liquor should be listed among the partners of Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce, food and restaurants also play an integral role in the show , what with 3 martini lunches with Roger Sterling, exotic, globe-trotting dinners by Betty Draper and lavish pre-theater meals. Heck, Don Draper's new marriage to Megan seems entirely predicated on her non-hysterical handling of a spilled milkshake. Sigh ... who else longs for the salad days of uncomplicated, quiet family dinners at the Draper household? Many of the New York dining locales featured on Mad Men have since closed (The Stork Club, Toots Shor's), but some are still going strong (it's filmed in Hollywood so they are re-creations of the NYC restaurants). Restaurants that have made an appearance on the show include the likes of P.J. Clarke's, Keens Steakhouse, Barbetta, and La Grenouille. The Grand Central Oyster Bar, though not specifically mentioned, is believed to be the spot of the booze-soaked oyster lunch shared by Don Draper and Roger Sterling. &nbsp; Here's a handful of tasty Mad Men links to whet your appetite for Sunday.&nbsp; Elizabeth Gunnison of Esquire attempts the Roger Sterling Diet, complete with a post-lunch hike up 21 flights of stairs. Eater NY provides an excellent city map of Mad Men's restaurants and bars, past and present. Gridskipper's Mad Men Guide to New York&nbsp;takes it a step further, listing restaurants but also hotels, department stores and the residences of characters.&nbsp; Eat Me Daily shares a recipe for Betty Draper's Rumaki, which comes from the&nbsp;Betty Crocker's Hostess Cookbook, 1967.&nbsp; For "everything you need to throw the swankiest Mad Men bash on your block," consult AMC's Mad Men Premier House Party Guide, complete with cocktail recipes, dinner ideas and horrifying (but realistic) cut-out masks of your favorite characters (sorry, creepy Glenn did not make the cut).&nbsp;http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/march/the-edible-web-mad-men-edition
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/march/the-edible-web-mad-men-editionFri, 23 March 2012 16:08:00 March Madness Dining Guide21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/march/march-madness-dining-guideFind great locally owned restaurants near the venues hosting the men's NCAA Regional Finals. The field of 68 (it still feels unnatural typing that) has been reduced to a remaining "Sweet" 16 teams. And though the lack of buzzer beaters and Gus Johnson may have made for more of a mellow (Melo?) tournament, there were still plenty of exciting outcomes in the first few rounds, with an improbable run by Ohio and two 15 seeds knocking off highly favored 2 seeds - any tournament with Duke out in the second round can't be all bad, right? If you plan on traveling to any of the sites of the Regional Semi-Finals and Finals, let us help you find a great local restaurant nearby. If your team advances, you'll need the sustenance to keep up your frenzied cheering, dancing and trash talking. And if heaven forbid they lose, why not absorb some edible culture so as to pretend the trip wasn't entirely about basketball? Follow the links below to locate restaurants in the relevant cities and near the arenas hosting the games.&nbsp; South Regional Atlanta restaurants restaurants near the Georgia Dome West Regional Phoenix restaurants restaurants near US Airways Center East Regional Boston restaurants restaurants near TD Garden Midwest Regional St. Louis restaurants restaurants near the Edward Jones Dome Alas, Western Kentucky could not pull off the upset against UK, so the Blue Blob of Xavier must take over for Big Red as the most lovably confounding&nbsp;amorphous mascot left in the tournament.&nbsp;http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/march/march-madness-dining-guide
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/march/march-madness-dining-guideWed, 21 March 2012 16:30:00 Miami's Best Locally Owned Restaurants21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/march/miamis-best-locally-owned-restaurantsLike Lebron before us, we've taken our talents to South Beach. And though we didn't get the opportunity to broadcast our "decision" with an overhyped, mostly unwatchable live TV event, we're proud to announce that we've edited and expanded our list of Miami's best locally owned restaurants. In no way does this mean we're forsaking our commitment to covering&nbsp;Cleveland's dining scene. A handful of Miami restaurants also gained recognition with the recent announcement of the James Beard semifinalists. Hedy Goldsmith of Michael's Genuine Food &amp; Drink garnered a nomination for Outstanding Pastry Chef. Paul Da Silva of 1500 Degrees and Jeff McInnis of Yardbird Southern Table &amp; Bar are both up for Best Chef: South. Without further ado, here are the restaurant's we've added to our Miami Top 100 list.&nbsp; 1500 Degrees AltaMare Casa Tua Ceviche 105 Chow Down Grill El Carajo Joey's The Local Craft Food &amp; Drink Lulu Panya Thai Pubbelly Sugarcane Sustain Tudor House Whisk Yardbird Southern Table &amp; Bar Xixon &nbsp; In addition to helping you find great local restaurants, we also spotlight the best food and dining blogs across the country. New additions to our list of fantastic Miami food blogs&nbsp;include FatGirl Hedonist, Food for Thought, and&nbsp;Miami Tacaño.&nbsp;http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/march/miamis-best-locally-owned-restaurants
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/march/miamis-best-locally-owned-restaurantsMon, 19 March 2012 13:00:00 The Edible Web: St. Patrick's Day Edition21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/march/the-edible-web-st-patricks-day-editionHide your wife. Hide your kids. The holiday of St. Patrick has fallen on a Saturday. March Madness is in full swing, as well. With the confluence of St. Patty's day revelers and maniacal basketball fans, America's sports bars may need to look into purchasing riot gear. St. Patrick's day need not be just about green watery beer and fighting crowds at tacky college bars with crap on the walls, however. Why not have a proper drink and some legitimate Irish food at one of the best locally owned Irish restaurants in the country? Some of the most notable ones include&nbsp;Irish Bank&nbsp;in San Francisco,&nbsp;The Harp&nbsp;in Cleveland,&nbsp;McGillan's Olde Ale House&nbsp;in Philadelphia,&nbsp;Chief O'Neil's&nbsp;in Chicago,&nbsp;Matt Murphy's Pub&nbsp;in Brookline, MA, and&nbsp;The Local&nbsp;in Minneapolis.&nbsp; If you're in (or going to) Boston, Chicago, Dallas,&nbsp;Detroit, Philadelphia, New York, Sacramento, San Francisco, or Washington D.C, take a gander at some interesting&nbsp;pub crawls in your area.&nbsp; &nbsp; Serious Eats presents&nbsp; 25 Green Recipes&nbsp;for St. Patrick's Day. Sadly, none involve green Jell-O.&nbsp; &nbsp; For those avoiding the crowds entirely by staying at home, Chow demonstrates&nbsp; how to pour the perfect pint of Guinness&nbsp;from the can. &nbsp; Continuing the home bartending theme, Toby Maloney of&nbsp; The Violet Hour&nbsp;in Chicago shares his recipe for&nbsp; Maloney's Irish Cream&nbsp;via&nbsp;Bon Appetit. &nbsp; &nbsp; Food Republic provides a hearty recipe for&nbsp; beef and Guinness stew.&nbsp; &nbsp; Cladagh McKenna gives insight on&nbsp; How the Irish Really Celebrate St. Patrick's Day, via Food Republic.&nbsp;http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/march/the-edible-web-st-patricks-day-edition
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/march/the-edible-web-st-patricks-day-editionFri, 16 March 2012 04:21:00 Pi(e) Day21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/march/pi(e)-dayHappy π Day, LocalEaters. Allow me to be the millionth blogger to use this day of 3/14 as a flimsy excuse to write about that crusty, goo-filled wonderment: pie. It should probably have its own week or month, rather than having to split a day with an inedible irrational number, but so it goes. In honor of this crusty holiday, our staff and friends weighed in with some of their favorite non-pizza pies nationwide. The Sour Cream Apple Walnut Pie from the Little Pie Company&nbsp;(New York, NY). Little. Tangy. Delicious. Chocolate pie from Arnold's Country Kitchen (Nashville, TN). The chess pie is no slouch either. May Day Pie from Ramsey's Diner (Lexington, KY) made at Missy's Pie Shop. So sacred is the "Derby Pie" in KY that it's trademarked and appears under various coded names at restaurants. Michigan Sour Cherry Pie from Bubby's (New York, NY) Four pounds of cherries per pie. Oh, my! Coconut cream pie from Busy Corner (Goodfield, IL) Deep dish Key lime pie from Guppy's on the Beach (Indian Rocks Beach, FL)&nbsp; Apple pie from Wasik's Cheese Shop (Wellesley, MA). Only available during the holiday season.&nbsp; Cherry pie from Two Little Red Hens (New York, NY) Strawberry pie (seasonal) from Esther's Restaurant (Fredericksburg, PA) Boston cream pie from Marche (Nashville, TN). Nary a bad dessert is produced in Margot McCormack's kitchens.&nbsp; Featured blogger Ellen Fork swears by the apple pie from Blue Duck Tavern&nbsp;(Washington, D.C.) Triple Coconut Cream Pie from Etta's or Dahlia (Seattle). President Obama can't resist Tom Douglas's signature decadent dessert. He's had at least four servings&nbsp;to date.&nbsp; La Tarte Tatin (the upside down apple tart pictured below) from Le Gigot (New York, NY). Apple pie need not always be so American. As an added pie day bonus, enjoy a few pie-related pop culture moments. Find yourself some pie to dive into, but don't ever trust the floor pie. &nbsp; Don't ever refuse pie. It will enrage your significant other or co-workers. Paul F. Tompkins solves the Cake vs Pie problem. I disagree with the conclusion, but applaud the undertaking. When you have a fugitive situation, never count out the nearest house of pies.http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/march/pi(e)-day
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/march/pi(e)-dayWed, 14 March 2012 15:32:00 NCAA Tournament Dining Guide, Rounds 1-321241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/march/ncaa-tournament-dining-guide,-rounds-1-3It's the most wonderful non-holiday time of the year. March Madness is upon us! Suddenly those who don't gamble are a shunned minority. Wings and chips will comprise most of our diets (sorry vegetables, you're just not clutch in high anxiety situations). Brackets will be busted by buzzers beaters. Office productivity will decline 80%. And Dick Vitale will likely drool on his shirt, having excited himself into a catatonic state. NCAA basketball fans traveling to watch their favorite teams need not go hungry or resort to stadium food in an unfamiliar city, though. We've got you covered for the first three rounds with great locally owned restaurants in the cities hosting tournament games. And we've even mapped out restaurants in proximity to the tournament venues.&nbsp; First Four Dayton, OH restaurants&nbsp; restaurants near University of Dayton arena&nbsp; Second and Third Rounds Albuquerque, NM restaurants&nbsp; restaurants near the Pit&nbsp; Louisville, KY restaurants&nbsp; restaurants near the KFC Yum! Center Pittsburgh, PA restaurants&nbsp; restaurants near CONSOL Energy Center Portland, OR restaurants&nbsp; restaurants near the Rose Garden Columbus, OH restaurants&nbsp; restaurants near Nationwide Arena Greensboro, NC restaurants&nbsp; restaurants near Greensboro Coliseum Nashville, TN restaurants restaurants near Bridgestone Arena Omaha, NE restaurants restaurants near Qwest Center We'll return next week for a rundown of restaurants for the Sweet 16 and Regional Finals locations. In the meantime enjoy all the thrills, heartbreak, processed cheese products and bracket-smack talk that make March magical.&nbsp; The one burning bracketology question on everyone's mind: Will this finally be the year of the South Dakota State Jackrabbits?http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/march/ncaa-tournament-dining-guide,-rounds-1-3
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/march/ncaa-tournament-dining-guide,-rounds-1-3Mon, 12 March 2012 11:00:00 Local Tweats Roundup21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/march/local-tweats-roundupDespite the overwhelming dominance of shameless plugs, humblebrags and baffling tweetspeak that only 12-16 year-olds understand, Twitter still hosts an abundance of relevant, useful and humorous food and restaurant related content. Here's a handful of this week's best tweets. Speaking of self-promotion, feel free to follow us @LocalEaters.&nbsp; Sarah J. Gim (@the delicious): "New kitchen has two ovens. it's like theyre mocking my inability to bake." Sort of a first world problem, but we've all felt like our kitchen appliances are taunting us at one time or another. Paul F. Tompkins (@PFTompkins) live tweeted the Oscars: "The mac &amp; cheese commercial with Seymour Cassell is the best movie of the year so far." No argument here. Watch it. Andrew Zimmern (@andrewzimmern): The host of Bizarre Foods tweeted drool-worthy photos of not-entirely-bizarre foods at one our favorite Memphis restaurants, The Bar-B-Q Shop. "BBQ bologna cheese sausage peppers saltines at BBQ Shop. http://twitpic.com/8sku70" Kyle Kinane (@kylekinane): On yipster dining habits: "Hipsters are the new yuppies then, right? 'Hot new' music sounds like Phil Collins and everyone wants to go to vegan fusion restaurants." Sam Sifton (@SamSifton): The NY Times editor mourns his favorite rapper with some choice food-related lyrics. "RIP Biggie: 'Come to spread the butter lyrics over hominy grits.' " &nbsp;Another user's follow up is worth noting: "that was method man though, old white guy." Close enough … Biggie's name is still on the song (and he clearly was no stranger to butter). Anthony Bourdain (@noreservations) weighs in on the Olive Garden review that went viral. "Very much enjoying watching Internet sensation Marilyn Hagerty triumph over the snarkologists (myself included)." We laughed and rolled our eyes. We reconsidered when we realized everyone reacted the same way. We now have her back. An emotionally taxing day on the interwebs.&nbsp; Lucky Peach (@LuckyPeach): "I think I just got criticized by a fortune cookie. http://t.co/C1uy8tCY" It bodes better than the dreaded empty fortune cookie. Scotty L. (@MarylandMudflap): "I'm lookin for capitalists to invest in a new&nbsp;restaurant! No 'menu' yet, but every night I'm gonna fall down stairs with a full tea service." This would be the first legitimately entertaining dinner theater in the world.&nbsp; Tim Siedell (@badbanana): On the lack of advancement in breakfast innovation: "We have enough breakfast items for the toaster now, food scientists. Move on to the car heater vent."&nbsp;http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/march/local-tweats-roundup
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/march/local-tweats-roundupFri, 09 March 2012 12:30:00 Tuesday Web Edibles21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/march/tuesday-web-ediblesThe uselessness of wine experts, disturbing deep-fried foodstuffs and "great big fat lies" of the food revolution on today's survey of the food web landscape.&nbsp; Eliane Glaser of the Guardian UK contemplates, "Is the food revolution just a great big fat lie." Some great points about the realities of home cooking vs. what celebrity chefs pretend is normal living.&nbsp;"Reality, normality, hard-working families: this is the mantra of the multimillionaire celebrity chef. But the recipes have trouble sticking to it because, despite the homely trappings, they are essentially restaurant food." The lofty prose of wine experts: "Kind of useless," to those with "normal tasting abilities," according to a new study, via&nbsp; The Daily Meal. No wonder I never seem to notice the subtle note of smoked starfruit with undertones of autumnal hackberry.&nbsp; Texas continues to overstep the boundaries of deep fried decency at the Houston Livestock Show &amp; Rodeo's Gold Buckle Foodie Awards. This time the culprits are fried Kool-Aid, fried cookie dough on a stick, and a well-received fried red velvet cake.&nbsp; Further developments in deep-fried food crimes: McDonald's Austria introduces the McRibster. The deep-fried boneless mystery meat patty is topped with bacon, pepper-jack, lettuce, onion, honey mustard and a chili sauce. Suddenly, the Shamrock Shake seems palatable. Via foodiggity.&nbsp;http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/march/tuesday-web-edibles
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/march/tuesday-web-ediblesTue, 06 March 2012 13:00:00 Austin's Best Locally Owned Restaurants21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/march/austins-best-locally-owned-restaurantsGood news, hipstery Texans, music lovers and breakfast taco enthusiasts: Just in time for South by Southwest, we've updated our list of Austin's best locally owned restaurants. Austin is the rare dining market where you don't necessarily have to choose between good food and great live music. Fantastic local restaurants that frequently feature live music include Artz Rib House, Stubb's Bar-B-Q, Threadgill's (Janis Joplin was a mainstay at the original venue), Guero's Taco Bar, Lamberts Downtown Barbecue,&nbsp;Green Mesquite, and&nbsp; North By Northwest Restaurant and Brewery. Austin is also a blessed breeding ground for breakfast taco purveyors -- many are open morning, noon or late-night. The rest of the country really needs to hop on this bandwagon, stat, as chorizo and egg levels are dangerously low in most regions. Take a gander at some of our best breakfast taco&nbsp;picks. Without further ado, here are the restaurants we've added to our Austin Top 100 list.&nbsp; Annie's Café &amp; Bar Barley Swine Bartlett's Black Star Co-Op The Carillon Congress Contigo East Side Show Room El Alma Café y Cantina Foreign &amp; Domestic Frank Franklin Barbecue Jack Allen's Kitchen Juan in a Million Julio's Justine's Noble Pig South Congress Café Titaya's Cuisine &nbsp; &nbsp;http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/march/austins-best-locally-owned-restaurants
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/march/austins-best-locally-owned-restaurantsSat, 03 March 2012 20:00:00 Thursday Web Edibles21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/march/thursday-web-ediblesThe future has arrived, and it's coated in sprinkles. An LA ice cream shop introduces the 24-hour cupcake ATM, via Eater.&nbsp; Thin Mints: available soon in candy bar form.&nbsp;Huffington Post Food&nbsp;confirms the existence of the Nestle Crunch Girl Scout Candy Bar. I can get behind the concept of Girl Scout cookies sans the paperwork or the high pressure sales situation - can you really say no when a co-worker's cute kid pops up unexpectedly with that lengthy form? I can. (But I won't speak for you). CNN/Budget Travel runs down 15 rules of international food etiquette&nbsp;that might surprise you. Although you should already know better than to eat tacos with a fork and knife (ANYWHERE) or to turn down vodka in Russia (ANYTIME).&nbsp; A list of the nation's 50 fattiest foods&nbsp;by state from The Orlando Sentinel. The country's most artery-cloggin', obesity-inducin' items include bacon-wrapped meatloaf (Alabama), Turducken (South Carolina), the garbage plate (New York) and the Luther Burger (Georgia). Dwell.com displays a series of aestheticized&nbsp;Seinfeld-inspired food posters. The black and white cookie, Monk's Diner, and ketchup and mustard in a single bottle (from Kramerica Industries) are among the subjects. These pretzels are making me thirsty!http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/march/thursday-web-edibles
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/march/thursday-web-ediblesThu, 01 March 2012 13:00:00 Eating the Obvious: Shrimp and Grits in Charleston21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/february/eating-the-obvious-shrimp-and-grits-in-charlestonSuddenly southern cookery is in the national spotlight. Barbeque has been trendy outside the South for awhile now, bacon appears in just about everything (even when it shouldn't), and farming, defying the convential wisdom of hipness, is now cool. Any self-respecting southerner would tell you that farm fresh vegetables have always been well-regarded, bacon has long been appreciated as a versatile, superior foodstuff and barbecue is a way of life. But hey, we're not "over it" just because the rest of the country has caught on. The world should know of the deep-frying, ham-hocking, gravy-sopping secrets that have sustained the South for generations. No city exemplifies the rise in prominence of southern cooking more than Charleston, SC. The just-announced James Beard semifinalists include Charleston restaurants and chefs such as The Macintosh (Best New restaurant) and Sean Brock of McCrady's (Oustanding Chef: National), as well as three nominees for Best Chef: Southeast: Jeremiah Bacon (The Macintosh), Ken Vedrinski (Trattoria Lucca) and Craig Deihl (Cypress). Not many (if any) cities can compete with the amount of fantastic restaurants per capita as little old Charleston.&nbsp; On my last visit to Chucktown, I made Lowcountry cuisine a priority. And though I've had my share of excellent fried seafood, Lowcountry boils and frogmore stew over the years, I'd never tried a proper rendition of the city's signature dish: shrimp and grits (not in Charleston at least). A short trip from downtown Charleston across the impressive, cable-stayed Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge (new as of 2005) led my fellow diners and me to the Old Village Post House in Mount Pleasant's Historic Old Village. In a two-story restored 19th century building, the Old Village Post House fits right in with Charleston: refined yet relaxed. It functions as a suitable tavern for those just looking for a drink, an elegant restaurant for an upscale but unpretentious meal, and even a place to sleep &nbsp;- the inn has six bedrooms, not too far from the beach. But for my purposes, it was an ideal spot to partake of Lowcountry cuisine's finest dish. The shrimp and grits, with andouille sausage, country ham bits, tomatoes, stone ground grits, a pile of flavorul green onions, and plenty of garlic and Cajun seasoning, did not fail to impress. Dark red in color, it boasted a luxurious depth of flavor without being too rich. The sausage, garlic and Cajun seasoning gave it a moderate level of satisfying, late-breaking heat. All in all, my first proper shrimp and grits experience was a smashing success, but so much so that I'm reticent to even consider ordering it anywhere that's not within a 100-mile radius from Charleston. For our complete list of Charleston's best restaurants, follow the link.&nbsp;http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/february/eating-the-obvious-shrimp-and-grits-in-charleston
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/february/eating-the-obvious-shrimp-and-grits-in-charlestonTue, 28 February 2012 16:13:00 The Best Fort Lauderdale Restaurants21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/february/the-best-fort-lauderdale-restaurantsThe LocalEats onslaught of the state of Florida continues (previously we covered Tampa-St Petersburg), as we've revised and expanded our list of the best locally-owned Fort Lauderdale-area restaurants. In other news, the James Beard Foundation announced its&nbsp; chef and restaurant semifinalists for 2012.&nbsp;Among Fort Lauderdale-area restaurants and chefs receiving nominations were Clay Conley from Buccan in Palm Beach (Best Chef: South) and Café Boulud&nbsp;(Best Service: National). Fantastic local restaurant we've added to our Top 100 list include ... 15th Street Fisheries Buccan Café Boulud D'Angelo Pizza Wine Bar and Tapas Dada Egg &amp; You Diner Grampa's The Grateful Palate Le Patio Market 17 Old Fort Lauderdale Breakfast House Rok Brgr Sea Sunrise Pita &amp; Grill &nbsp; &nbsp;http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/february/the-best-fort-lauderdale-restaurants
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/february/the-best-fort-lauderdale-restaurantsThu, 23 February 2012 14:30:00 A Fatter Tuesday21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/february/a-fatter-tuesdayHappy Mardi Gras and laissez les bon temps rouler! The editors of LocalEats adore New Orleans. And though some of us may have been known to partake of the occasional hurricane, Huge Ass Beer&nbsp;(to go!) or frozen Irish coffee from Molly's on the Market&nbsp;- perhaps the most refreshing drink ever concocted - our primary indulgence is the sublime cuisine. It's an unparalleled food culture.&nbsp;We've compiled a list of the best&nbsp;New Orleans restaurants&nbsp;for all your Mardi Gras dining needs. And for the uninitiated, here's a list of a few must-try Crescent City dishes to make your Tuesday just a bit fatter.&nbsp; Debris-topped po'boy at Mother's ( the Famous Ferdi Special) Barbecue shrimp at Pascal's Manale Alligator cheesecake at Jacques-Imo's The boucherie plate and fried boudin at Cochon&nbsp;(or anything else pigcentric from the restaurant or butcher shop) Mussels and pommes frites at Luke Beignets at Cafe du Monde Oysters on the half shell at Felix's Oyster loaf at Casamento's Fried chicken at Willie Mae's Scotch House Gumbo at the Gumbo Shop Brunch at Commander's Palace Oysters en Brouchette at Galatoire's Fried Oysters at Dick and Jenny's (po-boys available at lunch) Bananas Foster prepared tableside at Brennan's (a bit touristy, but worth it for the history lesson/atmosphere) Blackened drum at K-Paul's Louisiana Cuisine I'll stop there for now as pangs of hunger and jealousy will not allow me to continue. In the meantime, I'll be daydreaming of oyster po-boys, unbelievable coffee and a swine smorgasbord from Cochon.&nbsp;http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/february/a-fatter-tuesday
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/february/a-fatter-tuesdayTue, 21 February 2012 17:00:00 The Edible Web: Presidential Edition21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/february/the-edible-web-presidential-editionHappy Presidents' Day! The magnifying glass on the commander-in-chief has allowed us much insight into the dietary habits of our presidents over the years. For instance, there's Bush Sr.'s hatred of broccoli, LBJ's love of Fresca, Obama's chili recipe and Reagan's obsession with jelly beans (even the much-maligned licorice ones). In honor of Presidents' Day, here are a handful of links on presidents and dining. Eater NY maps out the restaurants visited by U.S. presidents in " The Guide to Presidential Dining in New York City."&nbsp;Obama and Clinton seem to have a lot in common (Red Rooster,&nbsp;Il Mulino), as did Reagan and Nixon (Le Perigord). Rugged individualist Teddy Roosevelt did his manly dining at&nbsp;Delmonico's. Other restaurants of presidential pedigree rounding out the list include Blue Hill,&nbsp;Daniel, 21 Club&nbsp;and Gabriel's. Robert Sietsema of The Village Voice ranks " America's Five Greatest Foodie Presidents." Somewhat suprising: wiry and generally unpleasant Andrew Jackson's love of cheese and lavish banquets. Less suprising: Taft was into food. Serious Eats Chicago gives a thorough rundown of " How to Eat (And Drink) Like President Obama in Chicago." The commander in chief's favorite spots include Manny's Deli, Rick Bayless's Topolobampo&nbsp;and&nbsp; Valois Cafeteria.&nbsp; Delish.com explores presidents finicky about their food with " Plate of the Union: Picky Presidential Palate." David Faries of The Dallas Observer conducts a fictional foodcentric interview with former presidents. And for your viewing edification, Bill Clinton (played by the late Phil Hartman) takes a few moments to mingle with the people at McDonald's near the White House on Saturday Night Live. INTERCEPTED. WARLORDS!http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/february/the-edible-web-presidential-edition
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/february/the-edible-web-presidential-editionMon, 20 February 2012 17:51:00 Dances with Haggis21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/february/dances-with-haggisHaggis does not command a lot of respect in the food world. Its primary uses seem to be frightening children, acting as a conversation piece and Scotch sponge at (Robert) Burns Suppers, and perpetuating the tired old idea that there's no good cookery to be found in the British Isles. And to be fair, its traditional description does not paint a pretty picture: a pudding of "sheep's pluck" (lungs, liver and heart) mixed with oats, onions, spices and encased in a sheep's stomach. On a recent trip to Edinburgh, I decided to taste for myself what all the fuss was about.&nbsp; And the verdict: not ghastly at all. It's hearty, generally heavy on the oats, and at worst, not particularly remarkable. Lamb lungs are no longer in the equation these days, and most of the renditions my travelling companions and I encountered were not stuffed in a sheep's stomach, but encased more like sausage. The first haggis we confronted at The Royal Macgregor&nbsp;on the Royal Mile&nbsp;was beginner friendly. Though traditional in title: "haggis, neeps and tatties," this version was noticeably upscale. Of the vertical food variety, it consisted of haggis topped with billowy mashed potatoes, "bashed" turnip with red onion and rosemary gravy. All in all, a decidedly unscary, pleasant meal with complex texture. Truly, this was not the haggis of the people, though it was a good way to ease ourselves into the idea. The next morning, we sampled a more conventional haggis alongside our traditional Scottish breakfasts. It fit right in with the morning meal. We were surprised at the amount of oats, rendering it a hearty start to the day, like a meaty side of granola - not particularly flavorful, but relatively inoffensive. There was more haggis to be had, however. We wandered down the Leith Walk to The Mermaid, a fish and chips takeout known for its prowess with a deep fryer. One particular item in the glass case caught our attention: deep-fried haggis. This substantial hunk o' haggis is apparently one of their top selling items. "Brown sauce," one of our group's most beloved discoveries on this trip, went a long way towards helping out the haggis this time. It must be noted that The Mermaid's fish and chips were battered and fried to perfection. After sampling traditional Scottish cuisine for a multiple meals in a row, our tastebuds eventually required a change-up. So we ate what any sensible UK tourist would: Indian food. &nbsp;http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/february/dances-with-haggis
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/february/dances-with-haggisFri, 17 February 2012 15:49:00 Local Tweats Index21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/february/local-tweats-indexThe week's most profound food and restaurant thoughts expressed in 142 characters or less. As always, feel free to follow us on Twitter at&nbsp;LocalEats&nbsp;for dining news, LocalEats happenings and horrible food puns.&nbsp; Comedian/actor/comic book enthusiast Patton Oswalt (@PattonOswalt) initiated a series of amusing tweets under the "hippie threats" hashtag: "I have come here to kick ass and eat locally. And these mung beans are from outside a 50 mile radius #hippiethreats."&nbsp; Zach Zamboni (@zachzamboni), a cameraman for Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations, offers entertaining behind-the-scenes insights about the show. He had a bit of a close call with a cobra in Malaysia:"Escaped death by cobra, ran a kilometer backwards, sweated like a bastard, ate a fish head, drank beer. This is life with @NoReservations." How close? Take a look.&nbsp; Foodimentary (@Foodimentary) is full of fun food facts and quality food quotes. On the 200th birthday of one Charles Dickens, Foodimentary scored points with this reflection on literature and chips (fries): "Charles Dickens was 1st to mention chips in a book 'Husky chips of potatoes, fried' Tale of 2 Cities, 1859." The only fictional Twitter persona to win a James Beard Award, Ruth Bourdain (@RuthBourdain) is an unholy mashup of Ruth Reichl and Tony Bourdain. Here's one of the tamer entries: "Fat isn't bad, stupid is bad. And yet, this braised pork belly is stupid phat." The Twitterverse had plenty of commentary to offer on Valentine's day and restaurants. Carly Castle (@CarlyCastle): "My plans for tonight involve going to fancy restaurants &amp; slipping fake engagement rings into a lotta girls' champagne glasses." Sixth Form Poet (@sixthformpoet): "On Valentine's Day, restaurants are like chess clubs; tables for two, agonising silence, psychological warfare and far too many stalemates." Conan O'Brien (@ConanOBRien) spent the week describing and taking pictures of his lunch. A few highlights: "Today's lunch: Turkey patty, garlic broccolini, and roasted veggies. Not pictured: Boston cream pie with mayo." and "Today's lunch: a chicken tostada salad and homemade sangria I poured into a Vitamin Water bottle." With slightly terrifying photo. It wouldn't be Twitter without repetition of trending topics ad nauseum. Gothamist (@Gothamist) fuels a nation's rabid Linsanity with a report that "Shake Shack has gone LINsane! They're now serving up Jeremy Lin-Mint shakes." Full story here.&nbsp; What is the airspeed velocity of an unladen Twitterbird?&nbsp;http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/february/local-tweats-index
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/february/local-tweats-indexThu, 16 February 2012 13:19:00 The Best Local Tampa-St. Petersburg Restaurants21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/february/the-best-local-tampa-st-petersburg-restaurantsWe've revised, updated and expanded our list of the best restaurants in the Tampa-St. Petersburg area. Award-winning restaurants new to our Top 100 list include Ciro's Speakeasy and Supper Club&nbsp;(Best Gastropub), The Lobster Pot&nbsp;(Best Lobster), The Independent Bar and Grill (Best Burgers), The Refinery (Best Farm to Table)&nbsp;Taco Bus&nbsp;(Best Late-night), TC Choy's Asian Bistro (Best Dim Sum) and Cafe Largo&nbsp;(Best French). Other great locally owned restaurants added to the list include 220 East, Alesia, Bernini, Columbia Cafe, Ella's Americana Folk Art Cafe, Habana Cafe, La Tropicana Cafe, The Laughing Cat Bistro, Queenshead Eurobar, Maritana Grill, Parkshore Grill, The Pearl, Red Mesa Cantina, Restaurant BT, Sunday's Fine Dining, Walt'z Fish Shak. and Wood Fired Pizza Wine Bar.&nbsp; In addition to hand-selecting the country's best independently owned restaurants, we also like to highlight the best food and dining restaurant blogs. The new additions to our blog family from the Tampa-St. Petersburg area are Lekas Eats, Carlos Eats, Dena Loves Food, Scallywag Journeys Tampa Bay, Tampa Bay Food Monster, and Taylor Eason.&nbsp;http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/february/the-best-local-tampa-st-petersburg-restaurants
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/february/the-best-local-tampa-st-petersburg-restaurantsTue, 14 February 2012 12:00:00 The Edible Web: Valentine's Edition21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/february/the-edible-web-valentines-editionWith Valentine's Day rapidly approaching, the internet is saturated with romantic recipes, alleged aphrodisiac&nbsp; foods, swanky restaurant suggestions and bizarre heart-shaped edibles of all varieties. Enjoy these deliciously romantic (or romantically delicious) links. &nbsp; John Mariani of Esquire&nbsp;compiles a list of the The Restaurants to Take Her On Valentine's Day. Romantic restaurants making the cut are Daniel&nbsp;(New York), The River Cafe (Brooklyn), Picasso (Las Vegas), Azul (Miami), Jean-Louis (Greenwich, CT), Fleur de Lys (San Francisco), Spiaggia (Chicago) and&nbsp; Auberge du Soleil (Rutherford, CA). For heartless bastards looking to go in the opposite direction, Eater Chicago&nbsp;scouts restaurants ideal for breaking up in, preferably before Valentine's Day. Among their choices: Kuma's Corner, Carnivale,&nbsp; Violet Hour&nbsp;and White Castle. On the contrary, White Castle has gone out of their way to promote romance with their Share the Love Valentine's Day Photo Contest. The winner gets a romantic dinner for two -- and hopefully a proposal involving a chicken ring. For those looking to impress significant others with their culinary prowess, Chow offers a slideshow of 26 Classic Valentine's Day Dishes&nbsp;(with recipes).&nbsp; Food Republic gives sound advice on&nbsp; How to Eat and Drink on Valentine's Day, categorized by relationship status. Single? "Bar. Bar. Bar. Bar. Bar. Bar. Bar. Go to a bar. It will be filled with other single people." It wouldn't be Valentine's day without slightly off-putting heart-shaped food items. Slice (Serious Eats) illustrates How to Make Heart-Shaped Pizza and Heart-Shaped Pepperoni. If you feel compelled to make heart-shaped hard-boiled eggs&nbsp;(how sensual!),&nbsp;Bon Appétit has you covered. And finally, here's heart-shaped Nutella ravioli from Recipe Girl.&nbsp;http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/february/the-edible-web-valentines-edition
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/february/the-edible-web-valentines-editionFri, 10 February 2012 14:22:00 A Nosh to Remember: Nashville's Capitol Grille in the Hermitage Hotel21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/february/a-nosh-to-remember-nashvilles-capitol-grille-in-the-hermitage-hotelExecutive Chef Tyler Brown and the Capitol Grille (no relation to the chain) in downtown Nashville's Hermitage Hotel have accrued an abundance of awards and praise in the past few years. And rightly so. Named one of Esquire's Four New Chefs to Watch in 2011, Brown is bringing the farm to the table much more directly than your average eatery patting itself on the back for a commitment to slow food. Not many restaurants have a chef that does the farming himself. On a piece of land donated at the nearby Farm at Glen Leven, Brown designs the seasonably sustainable growing program, but also plants, weeds and ultimately harvests the vegetables to be used at the Capitol Grille. Cooking from scratch? For chumps. Brown cooks from seed.&nbsp; I recently dropped in for dinner at the Capitol Grille, so let me be yet another voice (of many) heaping praise upon them. For a restaurant of its reputation and caliber, the Capitol Grille remains fairly understated. It's classy without being stuffy. It's spacious and quiet enough to converse (not the case at many of Nashville's trendier eateries). The menu is refreshingly simple: upscale Southern, but lacking pretense. Extra Nashville credit for the Hatch Show Print menu design. To start, there's the brilliant sweet onion bisque, which is rich, creamy and delightfully smoky (thanks to the Benton's bacon). Grass-fed beef also comes from the Farm at Glen Leven, and the vegetables are impeccable and strikingly pretty. Deep green, leafy Brussels sprouts accompanied my lightly battered, wonderfully textured Gulf snapper with celery root puree and just the right amount of crab butter. Other dishes enjoyed at our table included the Double H Beef sirloin as well as a perfectly cooked pork chop with carrot grits and a handful of delicious (and pretty) beet chips. Portions are reasonable - not particularly huge but not small plates either - so you might require a side dish if you're skipping dessert. Fingerling potato confit, truffle mac and cheese and extremely creamy buttermilk mashed potatoes are among the options. Desserts did not fail to impress either, such as the decadent, dense coconut cake with chocolate malt ice cream - bonus points for the mini malted milk balls. And, though I've seen it a handful of times before, I couldn't resist doing the touristy thing by taking a gander at the beautiful unspoiled art deco bathroom adjacent to the Oak Bar on my way out. It's an absolute must-see for any enthusiast of our country's most notable bathrooms.&nbsp; pork chop with carrot grits, beet chips and whiskey jushttp://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/february/a-nosh-to-remember-nashvilles-capitol-grille-in-the-hermitage-hotel
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/february/a-nosh-to-remember-nashvilles-capitol-grille-in-the-hermitage-hotelThu, 09 February 2012 11:43:00 The Edible Web: World Nutella Day21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/february/the-edible-web-world-nutella-dayWhile most of the country was busy firing up their crock pots for Super Bowl chili and cheese dips, World Nutella Day (Feb 5) passed by somewhat unnoticed. Though most of these food holidays seem arbitrary and dubious -- National Candied Orange Peel day (May 4) or Moldy Cheese Day (Oct 9), for example -- I can definitely get behind a celebratory day for the delicious chocolate-hazelnut spread known as Nutella. If a national holiday falls on a weekend, it's perfectly acceptable to celebrate the following Monday, right? Right. So, what's not to like about Nutella? It's wonderful on a crepe. It makes a mighty fine dip (try it with peanut butter crackers). It enhances any dessert recipe. And it's essential for survival if you're broke and bumming around Europe -- peanut butter, banana and Nutella sandwiches kept me from completely wasting away during a college semester abroad. In honor of World Nutella Day, here are a few recipes and tributes to this glorious spreadable edible: Gothamist goes for sweet and savory decadence with Nutella-coated bacon.&nbsp; Food &amp; Wine provides a recipe for Nutella-Swirl Pound Cake. Daily Dish Recipes celebrates World Nutella Day with Nutella Crescent Rolls. &nbsp; San Diego-based food blog Kirbie's Cravings has countless mouth-watering recipes for Nutella desserts.&nbsp; For more info on the history of Nutella, head to the World Nutella Day homepage. And as Paula Deen never says (despite her recent claims otherwise), use Nutella in moderation, as it's not exactly a health food. Seems self-explanatory, but a mother once sued Nutella on the grounds that its ads were misleading.&nbsp;http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/february/the-edible-web-world-nutella-day
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/february/the-edible-web-world-nutella-dayMon, 06 February 2012 13:45:00 Local Tweats Weekly Roundup21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/february/local-tweats-weekly-roundupAn index of the week's tastiest restaurant, dining and food entertainment tweets.&nbsp; Eric Cunningham (@EricCunningham)&nbsp;gives chips the gravitas they deserve:&nbsp;"When I eat chips alone in the kitchen, I imagine my life shown on a 4-way splitscreen with whatever world leaders are doing right then." Spike Mendelsohn (@ChefSpike): The former Top Chef contestant and chef/owner of Good Stuff Eatery&nbsp;and We, The Pizza&nbsp;wins the photo of the week award by capturing a delightfully morbid combination of death and bacon in his picture, captioned " The most glorious afterlife". The Big Gay Ice Cream Truck (@biggayicecream): If they ever get bored running their big gay successful mobile creamery, the guys behind the Big Gay Ice Cream Truck may have a future in game development: "I want to start a new game craze. It's kinda like paintball, but you just have a satchel of cupcakes to peg people with. Wanna play?" Ottavia Bourdain (@OttaviaBourdain): MMA enthusiast/Anthony Bourdain's better half weighs in on food, technology and failure: "I'm so out of it today I just answered the Shake Shack buzzer as if it was my phone #fail." Village Voice (@VillageVoice): The twitterverse was abuzz with updates about Lady Gaga's parents' opening a restaurant in NYC. The Village Voice scored with back to back tweets: "Lady Gaga's parents' restaurant is getting panned by critics. 'The calamari [is] like leather.' " followed by "If Lady Gaga wears leather calamari at next year's VMAs, we'll know why."&nbsp; Conan O'Brien (@ConanOBrien): Coco's tweets are worth creating a Twitter account for alone. Highlights of late include "Being a celebrity means I can get any restaurant reservation when George Clooney cancels at the last minute."&nbsp;and "When I really need a good laugh, I just imagine Edward Scissorhands attempting to eat crab legs."&nbsp; Food Network Humor (@FNHumor): In keeping with the Conan theme, Food Network Humor tweets "What's More Disgusting Than Watching Guy Fieri Eat? That's right, watching Guy Fieri eating in reverse. Thanks, Conan. bit.ly/z6vbrY" AJC (@AJC): The Atlanta Journal-Constitution&nbsp;cleverly re-wrote one of their own headlines: "Waffle House driveby: Targets scatter as #Lawrenceville&nbsp;Hwy restaurant smothered, covered with bullets." (No one was injured.) That's all folks. If you care to follow us on Twitter or come across a food-related tweet worthy of Local Tweats, find us @LocalEaters.http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/february/local-tweats-weekly-roundup
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/february/local-tweats-weekly-roundupFri, 03 February 2012 15:16:00 Pee-Wee Herman on Bravo's Top Chef + 5 Great Moments in the Kitchen with Pee-Wee21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/february/pee-wee-herman-on-bravos-top-chef-plus-5-great-moments-in-the-kitchen-with-pee-weeLast night, Pee-Wee Herman, aka Paul Reubens, left the confines of the Playhouse and Puppetland to be a celebrity judge on Bravo's Top Chef - when your furniture won't stop talking and Laurence Fishburne keeps showing up at your door unannounced, you need a break once in awhile.&nbsp;Apparently, it's the first time Reubens has returned to San Antonio since filming the cult classic Pee-Wee's Big Adventure. He even pays another visit to the Alamo, which everybody knows, has no&nbsp;basement. Padma Lakshi interviews Pee-Wee and asks if he has any advice for the contestants. His Paula Deenesque response: "More butter."&nbsp;Pee-Wee samples an assortment of pancakes and judges chicken dishes from the contestants, proving to be a surprisingly tough critic. The secret word(s) is chicken skin (aaaah!).&nbsp;It's hardly shocking that Pee-Wee is a man of refined tastes. Anyone who's kept up with his show is familiar with his snack time segments and kitchen-related hijinks. In honor of his Top Chef appearance, I give you 5 of Pee-Wee's most memorable moments in the kitchen. First up, Pee-Wee declares his love for fruit salad. The Playhouse gang expectedly responds "so why don't you marry it?" And then we have our astonishing plot twist, as Pee-Wee agrees to marry the fruit salad. And here we have Pee-Wee making ice cream soup for snack time. Randy does his usual jerkface routine of trying to ruin everything, but in the end it all works out. Plus, we learn a valuable cooking lesson about balancing ingredient ratios. In Pee-Wee's Big Adventure, our protagonist starts his day with pancakes, bacon and eggs in the form of a face (so that he can make it talk with bacon lips, naturally). But the culinary delight is not complete until a large serving of Mr. T Cereal is poured on top. (Start at 3:30) The best meals start with the best ingredients. Here we have Cowboy Curtis (Laurence Fishburne) opening the fridge to a variety of foods doing Pee-Wee's signature "Tequila" dance. Vegetarians might struggle in Puppetland, where every food has a face. And finally, from The Pee-Wee Herman Show on Broadway, we have Pee-Wee deep-fat frying some onion rings. We all learn how dangerous deep-fat frying can be, thanks to a horrifying accident involving a new character. Alas, Shamwow, we hardly knew ye.&nbsp;http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/february/pee-wee-herman-on-bravos-top-chef-plus-5-great-moments-in-the-kitchen-with-pee-wee
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/february/pee-wee-herman-on-bravos-top-chef-plus-5-great-moments-in-the-kitchen-with-pee-weeThu, 02 February 2012 12:47:00 The Edible Web: On the Wings of Chickens21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/february/the-edible-web-on-the-wings-of-chickensAll the chicken wing news that's fit to print during Super Bowl Week. It's Super Bowl week, and the hype for "The Rematch" is inescapable. But almost as ubiquitous as the coverage of the game are recipes for Super Bowl worthy snacks. Specifically, countless recipes for chicken wings are taking over the internet. It just may break under the heat of Frank's Red Hot mixed with butter. Not that there's anything wrong with this. Be they glazed with teriyaki or Scotch Bonnet sauce, jerked or smoked, drumettes or flatties, chicken wings certainly deserve their own week in the national spotlight. Unless they are boneless. That's just creepy. Without further ado, here are a handful of wing-related articles and recipes from the web. Food &amp; Wine restaurant editor Kate Krader runs down the&nbsp; best chicken wings in the country, via&nbsp;Eatocracy. Included rightfully, is The Anchor Bar in Buffalo, the alleged birthplace of chicken wing in 1964. Serious Eats attempts to perfect the chicken wing with thorough experimentation. Freezing and double frying are among the techniques practiced to produce that perfectly blistered skin.&nbsp; Epicurious posts Jean-George Vongerichten's recipe for hot wings. Looking fairly fiery with Scotch Bonnet hot sauce and diced jalapeno. The Food Network Magazine&nbsp; offers a recipe for baked Buffalo wings with blue-cheese yogurt dip ... just in case you want to scoff at your unhealthy friends and their deep-fried enjoyment. And what good would all these wings be without knowledge of the proper wing eating technique. Huffington Post Food fills us in with some strategy, including this video from LifeHacker. Look ma, one hand!&nbsp; Do you prefer the drumettes or flats? Weigh in here on our latest Facebook poll.&nbsp;http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/february/the-edible-web-on-the-wings-of-chickens
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/february/the-edible-web-on-the-wings-of-chickensWed, 01 February 2012 13:00:00 The Best Indianapolis Restaurants: Super Bowl Edition21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/january/the-best-indianapolis-restaurants-super-bowl-editionWith Super Bowl XLVI just around the corner, we've revised and expanded our list of the best locally-owned&nbsp;Indianapolis restaurants. While it remains unclear whether the New Jersey Giants or the Patriots of the greater Boston area will prevail on the gridiron, Super Bowl attendees will no doubt require sustenance before the big game. And they need not settle for fast food chicken wings or mediocre burgers at a chain restaurant thats walls are covered with sunglasses-wearing jackalopes and other kitschy crap. There are plenty of great locally-owned restaurants near Lucas Oil Stadium&nbsp;from which to choose.&nbsp; New additions to our Top 100 Indianapolis restaurants include The Ball &amp; Biscuit, Black Market, Bynam's Steakhouse, Charlie Brown's Pancake and Steak House, Edwards Drive-In, The Friendly Tavern, Historic Steer-In, The Libertine Liquor Bar, Murphy's Steakhouse, Mesh, The Northside Social, Oriental Inn, Ralph's Great Divide, The Ripple Inn, Sensu, Tavern on South.&nbsp; In addition to listing the best local restaurants, we also collect the country's best food and dining blogs. New Indianapolis additions to our blog family include City Nom Noms, FloEats Indy&nbsp;and the Indianapolis Restaurant Scene blog, which compiled an excellent Super Bowl restaurant guide.&nbsp; Go with a LocalEats restaurant, or else risk making the "Manning face" at the table.http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/january/the-best-indianapolis-restaurants-super-bowl-edition
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/january/the-best-indianapolis-restaurants-super-bowl-editionMon, 30 January 2012 13:13:00 Eating the Obvious: Mother's in New Orleans21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/january/eating-the-obvious-mothers-in-new-orleansAs stated in the previous Eating the Obvious entry on Primanti Bros. in Pittsburgh, we at LocalEats delight in finding restaurants off the beaten path and hidden gems frequented by locals-in-the-know. Sometimes, though, the best way to orient yourself in a new city is to visit the most iconic restaurant or try the most obvious indigenous foodstuff. With Eating the Obvious I'm exploring well-trafficked restaurants that are popular for a reason and haven't let quality suffer by coasting on their reputation. Today's completely obvious choice: Mother's in New Orleans. Pretty much everything is allowed in the Crescent City: gambling, open containers, frontal nudity, Alabama fans, hurling cabbages into crowds, and plenty of other acts pertaining to public intoxication or done in the name of acquiring MORE BEADS. One thing that is not tolerated however, is bad food. Any restaurant worth its salt simply can't survive in a town with such a superior food culture. So while there are plenty of restaurants that do indeed thrive on reputation and draw huge crowds of tourists, there aren't many that have slid into mediocrity or beyond. One restaurant in particular that still has an intimidating line extending well beyond the door is Mother's, "home of the world's best baked ham." How did I become yet another tourist in this line? On a recent trip to NOLA revolving around a major sporting event hosted at the Superdome, I found myself in a hotel downtown with a group of about 10 family members and no car. Left to my own devices, I'd avoid the ballgame crowd and head uptown for a barbecue shrimp po' boy at Pascal's Manale or make my way to Jacques-Imo's. But with no transportation and a large group in tow, I became resigned to the fact that most of dining on this particular trip was going to happen downtown. We were a large group of tourists, so we might as well not pretend otherwise. A mere block or so from the hotel we spotted the line from Mother's and, after much deliberation (hooray, group dynamics!), we decided to at least get in line and see if it moved. And nary a better decision was made on the trip. After only about a 20 minute wait, it was our turn to step up to the cafeteria-style counter and place our order. It's slightly chaotic, so it's good to have most of your order figured out well in advance, lest you get menu anxiety and just start pointing at things. I couldn't resist trying what Mother's is best known for: the Famous Ferdi Special po' boy. That would be Mother's signature baked ham and roast beef topped with debris and gravy. For the uninitiated, debris refers to the&nbsp;scraps of roast beef that fall into the gravy while it's baking in the oven. And it is divine. Two soft but crusty pieces of French bread complete this behemoth of a sandwich. The group agreed that the food and experience were well worth the wait. So Mother's qualifies as yet another renowned restaurant that is popular for good reason and able to maintain quality despite the volume. I somehow managed to finish the decadent po'boy and chase it with a few bites of pecan pie. In danger of slipping into a day-killing food coma, I had to seek out the most delicious revitalizing drink known to man: the frozen Irish Coffee at Molly's on the Market. But that's an entirely different gustatory undertaking altogether.&nbsp; The Famous Ferdi Special Ignatius J. Reilly: another victim of the New Orleans diethttp://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/january/eating-the-obvious-mothers-in-new-orleans
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/january/eating-the-obvious-mothers-in-new-orleansThu, 26 January 2012 16:00:00 Local Tweats21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/january/local-tweatsLove it or hate it, Twitter has become a valuable platform for the restaurant and food world. In 142 characters or less, restaurants post specials; food bloggers share recipes and photos; food trucks post their whereabouts; and celebrity chefs communicate with their fans, push their latest projects, and procure even more precious attention (Ooh! A service that puts a number on my popularity!). In short, those afflicted with a food infatuation love them some Twitter. In a new feature for the blog, I'll compile the most interesting tweets of the week from chefs, restaurants, food bloggers, the food entertainment industry and anyone else who tweets about food and restaurants. Oh, and lest I forget the shameless self-promotion (which comprises 95% of Twitter), you can follow LocalEats on Twitter @LocalEaters. Without further adieu, here is the inaugural Local Tweats roundup.&nbsp; Andrew Zimmern&nbsp;(@AndrewZimmern): A chronic tweeter, The host of Bizarre Foods&nbsp;does indeed post pictures of various adventurous (un)edibles ( crispy calves brains sandwiches). But he also hosts live tweetups with his fans and isn't afraid to weigh in on NFL football strategy: "Pooch? Fake? Bueller?" Kat Kinsman (@KittenWithaWhip): The managing editor of CNN's Eatocracy, Kinsman's Tweets are invariably witty and often hunger inducing. One of the week's best: "How you know you just left a good party: unzip your purse &amp; wonder, 'What smells like it's on fire?' (Answer, pig fat caramels.)" Jack Highburger (@Jack_Around) scored major points with this hilarious Paula Deen related "diabeetus" pic.&nbsp; Scottie L (@MarylandMudFlap):" I've never eaten sushi off a naked woman but I have been asked to put my shirt back on at a Shoney's." 'nuff said.&nbsp; Angry Bobby Flay (@AngryBobbyFlay) is a parody Twitter account (not, in fact Bobby Flay) that is exactly what it sounds like: small angry outbursts in the voice of a fictitious, enraged Bobby Flay. "I hope everyone saved room for dessert! If not, I'm gonna serve it anyway and you better pray you find a way to choke it down." Shelby Fero (@ShelbyFero): College student/budding comedian Shelby Fero has made pithy, semi-depressing Tweets into an art form. Bonus points for her love of cheese and bad puns. Highlights this week include "Weird. This check at IHOP just says 'your dignity.'" and "Putting butter on my table is a contract, restaurants. A bread contract." Foodiggity (@foodiggity) hit on one of Sunday's bigger trending topics with "Steven Tyler should be put on the No Fly List for that anthem.#NFLSunday". Ruth Reichl's (@RuthReichl) tweets generally make one's mouth water. All the wonderful things she's devouring and describing could seem braggy and potentially induce jealousy, but her poetic language and soothing aesthetic have the opposite effect. Guess there's a good reason she's paid to write. "LA morning. Making coffee. Squeezing oranges. Toasting bread. A parrot just went flying through the yard, squawking loudly. Can that be?"&nbsp; Tweet! Retweet! Threetweet?http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/january/local-tweats
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/january/local-tweatsTue, 24 January 2012 16:00:00 The Edible Web: Paula Deen Edition21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/january/the-edible-web-paula-deen-editionLast week, the baroness of butter, the sultan of salt, Paula Deen came forth and announced that she has been living with type-2 diabetes for three years. She also announced a new multi-million dollar partnership with drug maker Novo Nordisk. More than a few internet feathers were ruffled when Deen started declaring that she's always preached moderation to her viewers and won't change the way she cooks. The announcement also came with a heavy dose of promotion for her new show, "Not My Mama's Meals." Here are a few voices weighing in on the matter.&nbsp; Healthy living expert and author Andrew Well calls for Paula Deen to change her diet via CNN. &nbsp; "Taking a drug to lower blood sugar without making those lifestyle changes is a classic example of trying to deal with a problem without going to the root of it. (Another is taking a pill to suppress stomach acid so that you can eat foods that cause heartburn without it.)" Jane Black writes an insightful column on how Paula Deen has missed an opportunity.&nbsp; " ... think again about the power of celebrity-awareness campaigns. Magic Johnson singlehandedly changed the debate about the AIDS virus when he public with his diagnosis of HIV. ...&nbsp;Deen has chosen a different path. Three years after her diagnosis, she's signed on as a paid spokeswoman for diabetes drugs-her way, she says, of bringing something to the table." Eater interviews Anthony Bourdain, a known critic of Paula Deen. He doesn't take the bait by saying anything particularly mean-spirited or controversial ... just one small dig. "When your signature dish is hamburger in between a doughnut, and you've been cheerfully selling this stuff knowing all along that you've got Type 2 Diabetes... It's in bad taste if nothing else." After marveling at the fact that Paula Deen withheld this information for "three long, greasy years", Frank Bruni of The New York Times&nbsp; writes about the seemingly sneaky off-screen eating and exercise habits of restaurant critics and celebrity chefs. "MANY of the acclaimed chefs whose television appearances, cookbooks or venerated restaurants whet our appetites have only an occasional, formal relationship with the luxuries they hawk. ... They have private trainers. They play tennis or soccer. They climb rocks or box or do yoga or bicycle or run." And finally, the clip from " The Today Show" in which Paula Deen tells Al Roker "Honey, I'm your cook. not your doctor." It's reassuring to know she's taking the proper measures to keep her brand healthy.&nbsp;http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/january/the-edible-web-paula-deen-edition
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/january/the-edible-web-paula-deen-editionMon, 23 January 2012 15:00:00 Bon Appétit and Dan Auerbach on Nashville's Best Restaurants21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/january/bon-appétit-and-dan-auerbach-on-nashvilles-best-restaurantsA February feature in Bon Appétit declares Nashville the "The Coolest, Tastiest City in the South." And we have to hand it to restaurant and drinks editor Andrew Knowlton: he highlights some of Music City's most essential spots (while avoiding the tourist traps and overly exposed). Well-deserved shout outs are given to delicious gourmet Mexican popsicles at&nbsp;Las Paletas, Martin's whole hog barbecue,&nbsp;Broadway's most danceworthy Honky Tonk, Robert's Western World&nbsp;(they serve a mighty fine 2 am patty melt), and many more. Bon Appétit&nbsp; even provides&nbsp;recipes for mac &amp; cheese at&nbsp;Arnold's Country Kitchen, a cocktail at the Patterson House, and the phenomenal, tangy tortilla soup at Mas Tacos Por Favor.&nbsp; In perhaps the most interesting segment of the feature, Knowlton&nbsp; interviews Dan Auerbach of the Black Keys, a recent Nashville transplant who claims to have been drawn to the city in part by the restaurant scene. After exploring the similarities between musicians and chefs - "molecular gastronomy is like Radiohead" - Auerbach proves to have pretty impressive taste for a Nashville newbie, suggesting the likes of Miss Saigon for pho,&nbsp; Gabby's Burgers &amp; Fries, Tandy Wilson's pizza at&nbsp;City House, and of course the fish tacos and tortilla soup at Mas Tacos (did we mention how brilliant the soup is yet?).&nbsp; Dan Auerbach on " How to Eat Like a Rock Star in&nbsp;Nashville" via Bon&nbsp;Appétit&nbsp;http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/january/bon-appétit-and-dan-auerbach-on-nashvilles-best-restaurants
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/january/bon-appétit-and-dan-auerbach-on-nashvilles-best-restaurantsThu, 19 January 2012 13:00:00 Updated: The Best Raleigh-Durham Restaurants21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/january/updated-the-best-raleigh-durham-restaurantsWhen we envision the Raleigh-Durham area, we think of lush rolling hills, tobacco fields, rampant college basketball fanaticism, Cheerwine out of the bottle, and of course, fantastic Carolina cuisine. Some of the country's best barbecue and Southern cooking can be found at the likes of iconic restaurants such as&nbsp;Clyde Cooper's&nbsp;and Mama Dip's. The region is also producing some of America's most dynamic and well-regarded chefs, including Andrea Reusing of Chapel Hill's Lantern (winner of the James Beard Foundation's Best Chef: Southeast in 2011), and Ashley Christensen of Poole's Diner in Raleigh, who recently threw down with Bobbly Flay on Iron Chef. Christensen just recently opened two adjoining casual Raleigh restaurants,&nbsp; Beasley's Chicken and Honey and Chuck's.&nbsp;We've revised and updated our list of the Top 100 Raleigh-Durham restaurants. Among the new additions to our list are Acme Food &amp; Beverage Co., An, Bella Mia, Blu Seafood and Bar, Coquette, Federal, Kitchen, Glasshalffull, Mez, Mint, Neal's Deli, Queen of Sheba&nbsp;and Revolution.&nbsp;http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/january/updated-the-best-raleigh-durham-restaurants
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/january/updated-the-best-raleigh-durham-restaurantsWed, 18 January 2012 12:12:00 Eating the Obvious: Primanti Bros. in Pittsburgh21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/january/eating-the-obvious-primanti-bros-in-pittsburghAt LocalEats, it's part of our mission to highlight great locally owned restaurants that are off the beaten (eaten?) path: places that are beloved by locals in-the-know but often overlooked by tourists and major dining publications. But, we're not entirely about obscurity here. We don't aim to be the know-it-all hipsters who suggest every restaurant with a heavy dose of "you've probably never heard of it before" attitude. Sometimes the best way to orient yourself with a new city is to visit the most iconic restaurant or try the most obvious indigenous foodstuff. Of course, there can be potential issues with such establishments. The line might be prohibitively long. Said line may suspiciously consist of ONLY tourists. Or the quality of the restaurant can decline after decades of popularity (or perhaps a bunch of new franchises) give them no incentive to maintain standards. In this series, I'll share a few tasty experiences I've had when going with the most obvious restaurant or food in various cities. First stop: Pittsburgh.&nbsp; If there's one restaurant that encapsulates the spirit of the Steel City, it's Primanti Bros. Dating back to the 30's, Primanti Bros. got its start when Joe Primanti opened a small restaurant after previously having had successs selling sandwiches to truckers from a cart in the Strip District (food carts and street eats: not just a modern foodie phenomenon). Not long after opening, Primanti Bros stumbled upon the delicious gimmick which makes a Primanti sandwich a Primanti sandwich: fries and coleslaw on the sandwich. For truck drivers and steel workers often on-the-go, having everything on the sandwich made eating much more convenient - increased portability and one-handed eating being preferable. Though it boasts some 14 locations in the Pittsburgh area now, the original Strip District shop still stands, and quality has not suffered a bit. On one snowy March day, I popped in to the original Primanti Bros. for a not-so-light lunch. The straightforward sandwich menu likely hasn't changed much since the depression with popular offerings such as ham and cheese, double egg and cheese, Jumbo (bologna) and cheese, and the Pitts-Burgher cheese steak. I opted for the ham and cheese and added an egg on top for good measure (for 50 cents). Ham, cheese, egg, coleslaw, French fries and tomato were piled high between two thick slices of white Italian bread. Measuring in at a height of about six inches, this monstrous meal did not disappoint. With an Iron City Beer in hand, I felt ready to take in more of the Steel City, having experienced a truly timeless meal at its most famous establishment. Oh, and just in case a Primanti Bros. sandwich isn't enough food, it's worth noting that you can also order a side of fries, cheese fries or chili cheese fries. As a former Pittsburgh resident once told me, "If there's an empty nook or cranny anywhere in the city, Pittsburgh will find a way to stuff some fries into it." Not sure how those truck drivers ate these with one hand.&nbsp;http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/january/eating-the-obvious-primanti-bros-in-pittsburgh
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/january/eating-the-obvious-primanti-bros-in-pittsburghFri, 13 January 2012 15:05:00 The Edible Web: Painfully Spicy Foods, Twinkie Grieving and Portlandia21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/january/the-edible-web-painfully-spicy-foods,-twinkie-grieving-and-portlandiaHuffington Post Food counts down 9 "Foods So Spicy You Need A Waiver." Among the tongue-torching dishes are the Pasta Plate from Hell from the East Coast Grill (Cambridge, MA) and Phaal Curry from Brick Lane Curry House (New York). The slideshow even includes a few videos of Adam Richman of Man vs. Food sweating and breathing heavily over his plate, as per usual. How appetizing.&nbsp; Shutterfly gives some solid tips on taking pictures of your food. No advice on how to keep your waiter and dining companions from rolling their eyes as you whip your phone out at the table. The return of Portlandia means more fun at the expense of locavores, high-falutin cocktails and confounding theme restaurants, via Eater.&nbsp; Elizabeth Gunnison of Esquire writes that we shouldn't mourn the loss of Twinkies just yet, after Hostess filed for bankruptcy Wednesday. Just to be safe, you might want fill your pantry with Ho Hos, Sno Balls, Ding Dongs, and Zingers. It is 2012, and these indestructible foods may prove useful during apocalyptic events.&nbsp; Twinkie the Kid may be looking for work soon.http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/january/the-edible-web-painfully-spicy-foods,-twinkie-grieving-and-portlandia
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/january/the-edible-web-painfully-spicy-foods,-twinkie-grieving-and-portlandiaThu, 12 January 2012 13:23:00 Chicago's Best Restaurants21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/january/chicagos-best-restaurantsWe've updated and revised our list of the best locally owned restaurants in the Windy City and the greater Chicagoland area. Offering everything from&nbsp;Italian beef, hefty hot dogs and decadent deep dish pizza to fantastic Greek fare, innovative Mexican food and trendsetting&nbsp;contemporary cuisine at some of the country's most recognized restaurants, Chicago is not a city for feeble appetites. But there are few places in the world we'd rather go to put on ten layers before putting on ten pounds in a weekend. &nbsp; The latest additions to our Top 100 list include Girl &amp; the Goat, GT Fish &amp; Oyster, Longman and Eagle,&nbsp;Maude's Liquor Bar, Piece Brewery &amp; Pizzeria, Purple Pig, Ria, Ruxbin, Sprout, and Takashi. We've also added another 40 restaurants in the city and suburbs and designated them as local favorites.&nbsp;http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/january/chicagos-best-restaurants
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/january/chicagos-best-restaurantsTue, 10 January 2012 14:05:00 The Edible Web 21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/january/the-edible-webHere's a brief look at what's cooking on the food obsessed web today. Sam Sifton of The New York Times counts down his Top 10 New Restaurants of 2011.&nbsp; The tasty slideshow includes the likes of NYC restaurants such as Danji, Red Rooster, The John Dory Oyster Bar, Boulud Sud and more.&nbsp; A Massachusetts bill would allow restaurants to donate food leftovers to charitable organizations without fear of being sued. Less food waste and more people fed: makes perfect sense to me.&nbsp; Ray Isle, wine editor of Food &amp; Wine, suggests wine pairings for grilled cheese&nbsp;sandwiches. Oh grilled cheese, you've grown ever so sophisticated over the years. I wonder if this guy could provide a few suggestions for juice box pairings.&nbsp; Jason Sheehan of Philadelphia magazine calls attention to 12 Restaurant Trends That Need to Die. Couldn't agree more with sushi in non-sushi restaurants, cupcakes and "ingredient demagoguery." In his words: "I don't care if the chef grew the squash for tonight's entrée in his bathtub. Locally sourced, homegrown, organic and artisanal ingredients are only good if they're&nbsp; good."http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/january/the-edible-web
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/january/the-edible-webMon, 09 January 2012 14:04:00 The Year in Food Photos21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/january/the-year-in-food-photosProfessional photographers, we are not. But when it's not too gauche, we occasionally snap a picture of some of our favorite dishes when we're out and about in the restaurant world. Here are some of the best things we ingested in 2011. Forgive our photography skills (or lack thereof): We were probably hungry. Whole fried tilapia from Dave's Seafood Carry-Out (Charleston, SC) Banana-Nutella Crepe from The Perch (Nashville, TN) Harris Crab House (North Grasonville, MD) Pulled pork sandwich from Central BBQ (Memphis, TN) Lobster Roll from Lobster Landing (Clinton, CT) Berkshire Pork Rack from Currant (San Diego, CA) Ramen from Ippudo (New York, NY) Gospel Creole from Papa Boudreaux's (Franklin, TN) Ribs from 12 Bones Smokehouse (Asheville, NC) 14-Layer Caramel Cake from Hank's Outback (Pawley's Island, SC) Chicago-style hot dog from Hot Doug's (Chicago, IL) Salmon sampler from Kiriko (Los Angeles, CA) Great NY Noodletown (New York, NY) Voodoo Doughnut (Portland, OR) Jerk chicken from Riffs Fine Street Food (Nashville, TN) Famous Ferdi Special po' boy at Mother's (New Orleans, LA)http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/january/the-year-in-food-photos
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/january/the-year-in-food-photosThu, 05 January 2012 10:40:00 The Edible Web: Moving Forward Looking Backward21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/january/the-edible-web-moving-forward-looking-backwardHere's a handful of food-related articles around the web wrapping up 2011 and moving onward into 2012. Cheers to an exciting and hopefully non-apocalyptic year for food and restaurants. Jonathan Gold of LA Weekly counts down the " 10 Best Dishes of 2011." LA restaurants with dishes that made the cut include The Spice Table,&nbsp; Lukshon, Tsujita, Red Medicine&nbsp;and&nbsp; Playa. Houston Press compiles a year in food photos from restaurants reviewed by critic Katharine Shilcutts. You might want to ignore this if you're already hungry.&nbsp; A Hamburger A Day (Serious Eats) looks back at their favorite burgers of 2011. Restaurants mentioned on the beefy list include Sola (Chicago), Capital Bar (Little Rock) and Spring Hill (Seattle). The experts at Eater Chicago predict dining headlines for 2012. Some of the better entries: "People will start butchering meat at their own tables," and "Chicago's last upscale hotel restaurant closes. No one notices." I'm still holding out hope that 2012 will be the year of the meat-on-a-stick.&nbsp; It's no longer New Year's Day, but I'm sure a percentage of the population is still feeling groggy. Here's a recipe for the ultimate hangover breakfast from James McDuffee, the chef of Joseph Leonard in New York. Via Esquire.&nbsp; Speaking of memorable burgers of 2011, here's an avocado sprout burger from The Counter in Los Angeles. How very Cali.&nbsp;http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/january/the-edible-web-moving-forward-looking-backward
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2012/january/the-edible-web-moving-forward-looking-backwardTue, 03 January 2012 16:25:00 Seth Godin Dishes on his Favorite Mexican Restaurant21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/december/seth-godin-dishes-on-his-favorite-mexican-restaurantSquidoo founder, author and blogger extraordinaire Seth Godin writes about Park City, Utah restaurant El Chubasco&nbsp;in his latest blog entry. Claiming to have eaten there three times a day once, Godin uses this locally owned eatery as an example of how "thousands of little decisions" by caring business owners result in an unique product that can't be replicated. He argues that when businesses grow or restaurants turn into chains, "smart compromises" are made and the quality diminishes. Preach on, Seth! While many great local restaurant have expanded their business to include a few outpost locations to accommodate demand, quality almost invariably suffers when a restaurant approaches chain status. The unique vision of the owners and the operating procedures of the original tend to get watered down with the growth.&nbsp;http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/december/seth-godin-dishes-on-his-favorite-mexican-restaurant
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/december/seth-godin-dishes-on-his-favorite-mexican-restaurantThu, 29 December 2011 16:42:00 Just Eat it: 8 Great Songs about Restaurants and Food23122http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/december/just-eat-it-8-great-songs-about-restaurants-and-foodOur favorite artists and musicians draw inspiration from all over: childhood memories, heartbreak, the plight of the angry suburban teenager, et al. But some artists aren't shy about singing about what's literally fueling them: food. Here's a heapin' handful of songs about food and restaurants. "Jambalaya" Hank Williams is powerless to resist the temptation of Cajun food, "big fun" and the general debauchery of the Bayou. Who among us can stand in judgment?&nbsp; "Alice's Restaurant" Arlo Guthrie's 18-minute epic protest song is a Thanksgiving tradition on many radio stations. The monologue describes a real-life incident in which Guthrie was arrested for littering on Thanksgiving Day and is subsequently turned down by the draft board for his criminal record and attitude. Guthrie offers the following advice if you find yourself in this sort of situation: Demand to see the shrink and say, "You can get anything you want at Alice's restaurant." Then walk out.&nbsp; "My Bologna" "Weird Al" Yankovic could perform a 2-hour set of songs about food alone and still likely have material left over. Often self-deprecating about how heavily he relied upon food early in his career, Weird Al scored big hits with the likes of "Eat it", "Fat", "I Love Rocky Road" and "Lasagna." In a recent interview, Al mentioned that he failed to clear the rights to a parody of Paul McCartney's "Live and Let Die" -- wait for it ... "Chicken Pot Pie." McCartney, an outspoken vegetarian, couldn't let it slide, though apparently he was quite cordial on the matter and offered any of his other material up for parody.&nbsp; "Tom's Diner" Suzanne Vega sings about the first real eatery on our list, Tom's Restaurant, a Brooklyn classic. Between choruses of "do-do-do-do", she describes a particularly eventful day consisting of reading her horoscope, drinking coffee and creepily watching other patrons and people out the window. Rest assured at the real Tom's Restaurant, the man behind the counter will never fill your coffee "only half-way" and gaze out the window before you can argue.&nbsp; "She Don't Use Jelly" Wayne Coyne of the Flaming Lips apparently knows some eccentric people. One friend wipes his nose with magazines, and a girl who reminds him of Cher often changes the color of her hair with tangerines. But the manic pixie dream girl whom the song is titled after has some strange dietary habits. She's kindly enough to make you breakfast, but you'd better be prepared for Vaseline on your toast. "Debra" Beck has his fair share of songs about food, from "Satan Gave Me a Taco" to "Peaches and Cream." In Debra, Beck drops a memorable restaurant reference while singing about romancing an employee of JC Penney with an afternoon in Glendale: "Like a fruit that's ripe for the pickin'/I wouldn't do you like that, Zankou Chicken." Zankou, of course, being a small chain of Armenian eateries in LA specializing in delicious rotisserie chicken with a tangy garlic sauce.&nbsp; "Magic Chicken" Keeping with the fast food chicken theme, The Aquabats sing about a lifetime of fried chicken addiction. Be it Roscoe's, Popeye's or Golden Basket, these ska-punk super heroes ladle on the gravy. In an ill-advised rap/dance breakdown, they encourage the audience to "do the popcorn chicken/do the KFC/do the buffalo wing." &nbsp; "Bread and Butter" The Newbeats smash hit of 1964, "Bread and Butter" tells the tale of a man with fairly simple tastes, and the woman who loves him enough to accommodate them. That is, until she runs off with a man willing to eat more than just two things.&nbsp;http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/december/just-eat-it-8-great-songs-about-restaurants-and-food
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/december/just-eat-it-8-great-songs-about-restaurants-and-foodThu, 22 December 2011 16:09:00 LocalEats Now Features Over 12,000 Restaurant Menus23122http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/december/localeats-now-features-over-12,000-restaurant-menusLocalEats has undertaken some considerable developments of late. We've significantly upgraded our&nbsp; iPhone&nbsp;and&nbsp; iPad&nbsp;apps, and our recent&nbsp; partnership with Bitehunter&nbsp;means daily deals at great local restaurants are now available for our users. Perhaps our most exciting new feature is the inclusion of restaurant menus on our website and apps. Users can pull up current menus for over 12,000 restaurants on our site. Here are the complete details.&nbsp; NEW YORK CITY - (December 21, 2012) - LocalEats, a top-selling travel app dedicated to helping diners find the best locally owned restaurants in America, and SinglePlatform, a company committed to helping local businesses get discovered online, announced a content partnership today. The partnership places SinglePlatform's menu content into both the LocalEats iPhone and iPad apps, as well as the LocalEats.com website. The new content brings LocalEats users complete access to 12,000+ restaurant menus from LocalEats-selected restaurants, without having to leave the app or the LocalEats website to view them. Since the LocalEats app launched in 2008, it has consistently added increased in-app functionality for users, such as the ability to call a taxi via Taxi Magic, make a reservation with OpenTable, or even find a restaurant deal, through its recently announced partnership with top dining deal aggregator BiteHunter. SinglePlatform co-founder Wiley Cerilli said, "LocalEats is unusual in that it's not a user-generated content app, but instead is a highly curated app that doesn't include chains. At SinglePlatform, we want to help the world find exactly these sorts of restaurants -- places that perhaps don't have the resources to plug their menu into the internet across the spectrum, or even have a website -- but which can greatly benefit from having it deployed from a "single platform" like ours." "We are happy have a menu partner who can provide more than just big-city restaurant menus, and in fact shares our commitment to helping great local restaurants across America be discovered," said Kelsey Weaver of LocalEats. "Because of their direct relationship with restaurants, SinglePlatform has the most up-to-date menus available in markets of every size, from large to small. Users of LocalEats will enjoy the increased convenience of viewing menus in-app. " The LocalEats app, which also includes international destinations, is available now in the App Store. &nbsp; ### &nbsp; ABOUT LOCALEATS LocalEats is dedicated to providing the best hand-curated restaurant guide in America. While the company began as Magellan Press, Inc., an independent book publishing company which created a popular dining guide for travelers called Where The Locals Eat, the guide went completely digital in 2008. LocalEats was the top selling paid dining app in the App Store in 2010, according to iTunes. Today the LocalEats iPhone and iPad apps, as well as its website, are a one-stop resource for finding the best restaurants in America, at the best prices…with menus consumers can see in-app. For more information, visit www.localeats.com &nbsp; ABOUT SINGLEPLATFORM SinglePlatform is focused on building tools for local businesses and enhancing digital publishers by bringing local storefronts online. SinglePlatform was founded in 2010 on the premise that local businesses do not have the time and resources to manage the ever-changing digital landscape of online publishers, review sites, city guides, mobile applications and more. Named by Bloomberg BusinessWeek as one of "America's Most Promising Startups of 2011," SinglePlatform's free API allows publishers to integrate more than half a million menus from local businesses. For more information, visit www.singleplatform.comhttp://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/december/localeats-now-features-over-12,000-restaurant-menus
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/december/localeats-now-features-over-12,000-restaurant-menusWed, 21 December 2011 13:04:00 Holiday Upgrade: LocalEats 2.0 for the iPad23122http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/december/holiday-upgrade-localeats-20-for-the-ipadNow available on an iPad near you, LocalEats 2.0 makes a perfect holiday gift for the adventurous eater or Apple devotee in your family. Our latest iPad update includes several significant new features in addition to the requisite minor bug fixes and graphics changes. Here's a short list of the alterations. Restaurant Menus: Over 70% of our restaurants now have up to date menus available on the restaurant details page.&nbsp; Daily Deals: Discounts and specials are available for our restaurants via Bitehunter. New City/State Navigation: Domestic restaurants are now searchable by state. In addition to our featured major metro areas, smaller cities and towns are now more accessible.&nbsp; Swipe It:&nbsp;Users can swipe to navigate on the restaurant detail pages. For example, while holding your iPad in portrait mode, you can simply swipe left or right on the page to automatically slide to the next restaurant. Text It: Send any of our restaurants' information to your phone via SMS text. Just look for the "Send to Phone" button on the detail pages. You do NOT need a 3G iPad to utilize this.&nbsp; That's about the size of it, Localeaters. You can download the new version here (feel free to leave some feedback in the iTunes store) or update your pre-existing version in the app store on your iPad. &nbsp;http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/december/holiday-upgrade-localeats-20-for-the-ipad
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/december/holiday-upgrade-localeats-20-for-the-ipadTue, 20 December 2011 12:30:00 The Edible Web: Ho Ho Holiday Edition23122http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/december/the-edible-web-ho-ho-holiday-editionNog blog: Leslie Pariseau of Esquire writes about overcoming her eggnog aversion. Included: a recipe for spiced coconut eggnog from Adam Schuman of Fatty 'Cue.&nbsp; Father, son and holy toast: A Vermont man draws attention selling toasters that imprint the image of Jesus, via Eatocracy.&nbsp; Hanukkah recipes from The New York Times and Serious Eats. That's a lotta latkes. A Christmas Story leg lamp cupcakes from Foodiggity: the perfect dessert for those deserving of a major award.&nbsp; Happy holiday noshing ... with liberty and justice for all!&nbsp;http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/december/the-edible-web-ho-ho-holiday-edition
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/december/the-edible-web-ho-ho-holiday-editionMon, 19 December 2011 12:18:00 Roadside Attractions: The Oinkster in Eagle Rock23122http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/december/roadside-attractions-the-oinkster-in-eagle-rockWe're avid supporters of the slow food movement and sustainable food practices here at LocalEats. But when it comes to dining out, eating green often comes with a hefty price tag and at times, a bit of a pretention. Again, not knocking the practices, but the self-congratulatory nature of some self-described farm-to-table restaurants can be a bit much to stomach. And this is precisely why the Oinkster in Eagle Rock (northeast Los Angeles) is such a refreshing concept. The Oinkster, from chef/restaurateur Andre Guerrero, calls its cuisine "slow fast food." They cure their pastrami in house (for two weeks) and slow-cook their pork. They use superior ingredients and generally avoid shortcuts -- condiments, sauces and dressings are made from scratch. But rather than expensive, pretentious and exclusive, the Oinkster is affordable (everything is under $10), and fun. The Oinkster proves that fast food need not be made from lousy ingredients, and that slow food need not be so damn serious -- or only found at upscale restaurants.&nbsp; All conceptual restaurant talk aside, I had the good fortune of stopping in at the Oinkster following a concert in Eagle Rock. The brightly-lit, kitschy building (formerly a Jim's Burgers) on Colorado Boulevard proved irresistible to my companions and me, completely famished at 11:30 pm. With five or six craft beers on tap, the Oinkster was already putting a life's worth of fast food experiences to shame before we'd even tried a bite of food. Leading off was an excellent hefty pastrami sandwich with caramelized onion, red cabbage slaw and gruyere. The pulled pork sandwich with a Carolina-style vinegar sauce was equally impressive &nbsp;-- and I'm as skeptical as they come, when barbecue makes an appearance outside of the South, save for Kansas City and St. Louis. And then there were the fries, worth a trip alone. These Belgian-style double fried spuds were some of the finest I've encountered in a city not named Brussels. Here's to hoping that slowing down fast food and bringing slow food down to earth catches on elsewhere. They're pulling off the balancing act quite well at the Oinkster.&nbsp;http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/december/roadside-attractions-the-oinkster-in-eagle-rock
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/december/roadside-attractions-the-oinkster-in-eagle-rockFri, 16 December 2011 13:00:00 Restaurant Menus on LocalEats and a Macworld Mention23122http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/december/restaurant-menus-on-localeats-and-a-macworld-mentionGreat changes are afoot, LocalEaters. LocalEats 2.4 is officially available for your iPhone, and with the new update come exciting, significant improvements to our app. First and foremost, updated restaurant menus are now available (on the app as well as our website) for most of the great locally owned restaurants listed. For further details, we'll defer to the latest review by Philip Michaels of Macworld. "Exacting foodies use the LocalEats restaurant finder on their iPhone to track down the best places&nbsp;to eat in a particular city. Thanks to the latest update to the app, they'll also have a pretty good idea of what will be on the menu when they get there. Version 2.4 of the mobile restaurant finder, which hit the App Store Wednesday, adds menus to many of the restaurants listed in LocalEats. The developer of LocalEats struck a partnership with SinglePlatform, a company that specializes in promoting local businesses, to add that information to the iPhone app. ... Tap on a restaurant listing and scroll down the page past the summary information about an eatery, and you'll find a See the Menu button wedged between buttons for making a reservation or visiting the restaurant's website." In addition to the new menu feature, LocalEats 2.4 also displays daily deals at restaurants in your area via Bitehunter. For further information on the daily deals, follow the link.http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/december/restaurant-menus-on-localeats-and-a-macworld-mention
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/december/restaurant-menus-on-localeats-and-a-macworld-mentionWed, 14 December 2011 12:36:00 The Edible Web: Food Trends, Obama-Kebab and Extreme Egg Nog23122http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/december/the-edible-web-food-trends,-obama-kebab-and-extreme-egg-nogThe Huffington Post predicts the food trends of 2012. Chicken skin, sour beer, French dips and mescal are among those listed. My predictions: more foods on a stick, moonshine tastings, and Antarctic fusion - caribou quesadillas and permafrost parfaits for all. Ronna Welsh of the 2 Minutes to Dinner blog airs her grievances about one food trend that's worn out its welcome: pork belly, offal and other fatty animal products on everything. A Middle Eastern food stand in Sweden draws attention for its bizarre presidential name: Obamas (no apostrophe, of course). I'll have the Obama-falafel and Obama-kebab, but I'll pass on the Obama sausage.&nbsp; Serious Eats displays&nbsp; A Dozen Ways to Upgrade Your Eggnog. No, it's not a list of 12 different liquors. From College Humor: Oscar Meyer's Brooklyn headquarters introduces Brunchables for hungry hipster kids.http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/december/the-edible-web-food-trends,-obama-kebab-and-extreme-egg-nog
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/december/the-edible-web-food-trends,-obama-kebab-and-extreme-egg-nogThu, 08 December 2011 13:30:00 The Best Deals on the Best Meals: Served up Hot at LocalEats 23122http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/december/the-best-deals-on-the-best-meals-served-up-hot-at-localeatsBiteHunter partners with LocalEats to integrate best dining deals with best local restaurants across America.&nbsp; NEW YORK CITY - (December 6, 2011) - BiteHunter, the first real-time search engine for dining deals, and LocalEats, a top-selling travel app dedicated to helping diners find the best locally owned restaurants in America, announced an official partnership today. The partnership integrates the two mobile apps' content to bring users a curated guide to the top locally owned restaurants with the best dining deals in real-time. BiteHunter and LocalEats marry up content from each mobile app - dining deal information and curated local restaurant guide - to deliver the best possible prices at the best restaurants in America. Both apps solve problems in the marketplace, whether that be allowing for consumers to find available deals without registering for daily deal emails and newsletters, or allowing business travelers to find the best eats no matter where they are. Featuring more than 15,000 restaurants in more than 50 markets across the US, LocalEats can now pair up carefully chosen restaurants with the best dining deals. "We've been looking forward to this partnership with LocalEats because we both have a vision of bringing the best of the best to our users," said Gil Harel, CEO &amp; co-founder of BiteHunter. "LocalEats is a top dining and travel app, and each of our content can only benefit our users. This new integration will take each app above and beyond others on the market." LocalEats app users will see BiteHunter's icon in the restaurant detail page, which reveals available deals at that location. When clicking the deal, they will go directly to the deal source. BiteHunter will provide users LocalEats' restaurant synopsis if a deal is from a LocalEats-selected restaurant, helping them to make better restaurant choices. "Collaborating with BiteHunter gives LocalEats users an advantage when dining out at LocalEats-selected restaurants," said Shannon Austin, strategic development officer of LocalEats. "Users can check the app at home or on the road and know they're getting the best deal available at that restaurant on that day. BiteHunter is a pioneer in the deal aggregation space, and their intense focus on the dining space mirrors our own. This partnership can only benefit restaurants as more customers discover them and feel confident they're getting a great value for their dining dollar." For more information, visit http://www.BiteHunter.com or http://www.LocalEats.com. To download each app, visit BiteHunter and LocalEats in the iTunes App Store. &nbsp; &nbsp; About BiteHunter.com: Co-founded by Gil Harel and Ido Shillon in 2010, BiteHunter is the first real-time search engine for dining deals. By aggregating deals from thousands of online sources, such as daily deal sites, restaurant web sites, Twitter and Foursquare, BiteHunter provides consumers with a one-stop resource for finding local dining deals. For more information, visit http://www.bitehunter.com. &nbsp; About LocalEats: LocalEats is dedicated to providing the best hand-curated restaurant guide in America. While the company began as Magellan Press, Inc., an independent book publishing company &nbsp;which created a popular dining guide for travelers called Where the Locals Eat, the guide went completely digital in 2008. LocalEats was the top paid dining app in the App Store in 2010, according to iTunes. Today the LocalEats iPhone and iPad apps and website are leading sources for the best regional dining information nationwide. With the inclusion of deal aggregation through its partner BiteHunter, LocalEats is now a one-stop resource for finding the best restaurants in America...at the best possible prices. For more information, visit . &nbsp;http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/december/the-best-deals-on-the-best-meals-served-up-hot-at-localeats
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/december/the-best-deals-on-the-best-meals-served-up-hot-at-localeatsTue, 06 December 2011 16:12:00 Charleston's Best Restaurants23122http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/december/charlestons-best-restaurantsFrom unparalleled white tablecloth low country cuisine to fried seafood shacks and beachside burger joints, Charleston, SC is one of the country's hottest dining destinations. For your consideration, here is our revised and updated list of Charleston's best restaurants. Just try to avoid completely succumbing to the vortex of southern charm and dining bliss on your next visit -- the amount of restaurants and bars per capita in Chucktown can wreak havoc on waistlines and livers alike. New Top 100 additions to our list include Glass Onion, Husk, Closed for Business and Bursa Tapas, Lounge &amp; Bar. Other new local favorites include Atlanticville, Cork Neighborhood Bistro, Ernie's, The Gin Joint, Graze, The Macintosh, Three Little Birds Cafe, Tomato Shed Cafe, Triangle Char &amp; Bar, Wild Olive&nbsp;and Woodlands Dining Room. Fried whole tilapia from Dave's Seafood Carry-O ut The Old Village Post House, home to one of Charleston's most definitive renditions of shrimp and grits.&nbsp;http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/december/charlestons-best-restaurants
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/december/charlestons-best-restaurantsMon, 05 December 2011 12:35:00 TV Dinner: 7 Great Television Restaurants23122http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/december/tv-dinner-7-great-television-restaurantsApparently fictional characters get hungry, too. More importantly, television shows often need a central, non-domestic location where the cast gathers to hatch zany schemes, discuss relationships and even perform ill-advised musical numbers. And seeing as multiple sets for multiple restaurants could get expensive, shows tend to have their characters frequent one particular coffee shop or restaurant. Though not a comprehensive list, here's a few of the most memorable restaurants on TV.&nbsp; The Peach Pit, Beverly Hills 90210: Perhaps the most malleable restaurant in TV history, The Peach Pit serves many purposes for the students of West Beverly High (and the writers of the show). It's an employer for those saving up for a '65 Mustang, an after school hangout for gossiping over a milkshake, and even a suddenly quiet spot for a late-night study session -- don't stay too late Brenda: it's a sketchy neighborhood. And as the cast matures, they suddenly uncover an abandoned warehouse behind the Peach Pit, which becomes The Peach Pit After Dark, a club-like venue where the characters participate in more adult-themed dramatics. Unfortunately there's a stage for the showcasing of Brian Austin Green's musical "talents." We'll opt for the sweet harmony of Color Me Badd instead.&nbsp; Arnold's, Happy Days:&nbsp;For all of the time Richie Cunningham and the gang spent at Arnold's, the diner's burger and shakes deserve Smithsonian status as much as Fonzie's jacket. Before Fonzie and Happy Days made history by&nbsp;Jumping the Shark, Arnold's provides the parking lot where he jumps 14 garbage cans before wiping out a short-lived Arnold's Fried Chicken stand.&nbsp; Monk's Diner, Seinfeld: Second to Jerry's apartment, Monk's (referred to simply as "the coffee shop") is the most frequented locale for the show about nothing's cast members to "pore over the excruciating minutia of every single daily event." Menu staples include some of the city's best pie (some refuse to even try it) and an unparalleled "big salad," the likes of which cannot be found at the coffee shop's bizarre-o counterpart, Reggie's. Various schemes, breakups and life-changing decisions occur in these booths, one in particular predicated on a switch from tuna on toast to chicken salad on rye.&nbsp; The Olympia Restaurant, Saturday Night Live: SNL has given us a lots of restaurant and food-related fodder to chew on over the years, from Samurai Delicatessen to Hub's Gyro's (you like-a the jus??) and even the "awesome"&nbsp;Taco Town&nbsp;15-flavor, deep-fried, tortilla-crepe-pizza-pancake-wrapped taco. Taking the cake is the famed "Cheeseburger, Cheeseburger" sketch. Patrons of the Olympia Restaurant will not be receiving breakfast foods, fries, tuna and certainly not Coke (No Coke. Pepsi!) Central Perk, Friends: An inevitability on lists such as these, Central Perk is an integral part of one of the most watched shows of all time. You'd think such a diverse group of friends would want to experience all the restaurants and nightlife the Big Apple has to offer, but rather these 6 people opt to spend their lives mostly between two apartments and one coffee shop. Are we to believe they are really this vapid, or should we just acknowledge that the show was shot in Los Angeles, rendering outside excursions expensive and inconvenient? Central Perk manager Gunther -- a fan favorite -- supposedly landed this role when he was the only extra on set that could operate the real espresso machine. You never know when those barista skills will come in handy.&nbsp; Bob's Burgers, Bob's Burgers: A relative newcomer, Bob's Burgers offers a hilarious look into the world of an independent, family-owned-and-operated burger joint. Bob's wife and three deranged kids serve as employees. Keep an eye out for the oft-changing chalkboard burger specials, bearing titles such as The Roquefort Files Burger, Last of the Mo-Jicama, and the Poblano Picasso Burger.&nbsp; Elzar's Fine Cuisine, Futurama: Pretty much a dead-ringer for Emeril Lagasse -- except purple and four-armed -- Elzar is a triple threat as a TV chef, restaurateur, and author of Cooking Slugs for Dinner and Cooking Dinner for Slugs. His go-to move? Knocking it up a notch with his trusty spice-weasel. BAM!&nbsp;http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/december/tv-dinner-7-great-television-restaurants
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/december/tv-dinner-7-great-television-restaurantsFri, 02 December 2011 11:28:00 The Edible Web: Decent Airport Food, Gwyneth's Cookbook and BLT Science23122http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/november/the-edible-web-decent-airport-food,-gwyneths-cookbook-and-blt-scienceEatocracy gives detailed instructions on How to Confront a Country Ham. Hungrily, and with a fork. Following the release of her cookbook, GQ declares Gwyneth Paltrow one of the 25 Least Influential People Alive. Did you know she can sing too?? She thinks you should.&nbsp; Why does cheese have no place on a BLT? Jay Pierce of the Southern Foodways Alliance gives a reasoned explanation - it's a lot more complex than ruining the aesthetics of the name by adding a 'c'.&nbsp; For holiday travel consideration, Serious Eats runs down a list Airport Food that Doesn't Suck. Eateries on the list include Rick Bayless and Tyler Florence restaurants, Jim Neely's Interstate BBQ&nbsp;(Memphis),&nbsp; The Salt Lick (Austin-Bergstrom), and&nbsp; Anchor Bar (Buffalo).&nbsp; The original Anchor Bar in Buffalo.&nbsp;http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/november/the-edible-web-decent-airport-food,-gwyneths-cookbook-and-blt-science
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/november/the-edible-web-decent-airport-food,-gwyneths-cookbook-and-blt-scienceTue, 29 November 2011 13:22:00 LA Weekly Releases Jonathan Gold's 99 Essential L.A. Restaurants21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/november/la-weekly-releases-jonathan-golds-99-essential-la-restaurantsLA Weekly's Jonathan Gold has announced his list of the 99 Essential L.A. Restaurants 2011. Gold, the first food writer to win a Pulitzer for criticism, has acquired legions of fans and immeasurable influence as he seemingly leaves no corridor of Los Angeles dining unexplored. Few critics are as adept at appreciating the merits of the highest and the humblest cuisines. And he's clearly not afraid of ingesting just about anything, say, lethally spicy fried corn turnovers with black corn fungus or &nbsp;live octopus at a Korean seafood restaurant. Here's a sampling of the restaurants new to the list this year. A-Frame Antojitos Carmen Bottega Louie Campanile Dae Bok Elvirita's Fab Hot Dogs Guisados Lukshon Mother Dough Picca Playa Pollos a la Brasa Ray's Red Medicine Sea Harbour Son of a Gun Sotto Spice Table Tsujita L.A.http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/november/la-weekly-releases-jonathan-golds-99-essential-la-restaurants
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/november/la-weekly-releases-jonathan-golds-99-essential-la-restaurantsWed, 23 November 2011 13:15:00 Lobster Rolls at Lobster Landing21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/november/lobster-rolls-at-lobster-landingIt's not every day I wake up craving lobster. And even if I did, I don't typically roll with the platinum expense account crew, so decadent lunches of lobster, bananas foster, double martinis and cigars aren't a common occurence. Fortunately for me, I awoke in Connecticut on a recent trip to the Northeast, rendering my morning lobster dreams attainable. The day's ultimate destination was the beach - an idyllic day at Hammonassett State Park in Madison, CT on the Long Island Sound. The more important mission of the day, however: finding the best possible lobster roll en route to the beach. After a little lobster-roll-related legwork on the interwebs, my dining companions and I determined we would hit up Lobster Landing in nearby Clinton, CT.&nbsp; A run-down little sea shanty with a Lobster Landing sign - &nbsp;including an intentionally off-kilter "o" in Lobster for added charm - indicated we were in the right place. The shack merely served as a gift shop/landmark though, as the cooking, assembly and dining all took place outside and overlooking the water. All lobster rolls are certainly not created equal. A common rendition uses lobster salad with varying amounts of mayo (the less, the better in my book). Some use mostly lobster meat with a slathering of mayo on the roll. And some lobster rolls will set you back $40, regardless of the amount of actual lobster meat (NYC, I'm looking at you on this one). The Lobster Landing rendition was as simple and delicious as they come: a heaping helping of lobster meat (large meaty pieces, not just end bits) on a crusty, thoroughly buttered roll. No mayo entered the equation (no complaints here). And with apologies to the fine people at the Mars candy company, this sandwich was far more worthy of the "melt-in-your-mouth" description than any food item I've ever had the pleasure of ingesting. At $15, it felt like a steal given the amount of quality lobster meat. To sweeten the (lobster) pot, Lobster Landing is BYO. So with a six-pack of I.P.A. and a lobster roll at a picnic table looking out over the ocean, my companions and I couldn't find much to complain about. The remainder of the day spent at the beach was almost disappointing by comparison. Not really. It's still the damn beach. For your dining edification, here are some other great lobster roll restaurants along the eastern seaboard. It's generally a good idea to call for seasonal hours.&nbsp; Neptune Oyster (Boston, MA) Portland Lobster Company (Portland, ME) Mabel's Lobster Claw&nbsp;(Kennebunkport, ME) Pearl Oyster Bar&nbsp; (New York, NY) Essex Seafood (Essex, MA) Mary's Fish Camp (New York, NY) Bill's Seafood (Westbrook, CT) Lobster Shack at Two Lights (Cape Elizabeth, ME)http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/november/lobster-rolls-at-lobster-landing
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/november/lobster-rolls-at-lobster-landingMon, 21 November 2011 09:38:00 Choosy Moms (And Dads) Choose LocalEats21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/november/choosy-moms-(and-dads)-choose-localeatsLocalEats has been named one of Babble's 2011 Top Travel Apps for Parents! Does this mean we're getting a little long in the tooth around here? Perhaps. Or maybe it's just that parents have to do more legwork when determining where to dine on vacation -- &nbsp;the listings on LocalEats indicate if a restaurant is kid-friendly. Anyway, rather than lecturing you whippersnappers about why LocalEats is a practical and responsible choice for finding restaurants on your newfangled smartphone, we'll just leave it to the folks at Babble: They say that if you want to find a good meal on vacation, you should ask a local. With LocalEats, you don't need to let people know you're an out-of-town family - the app serves up locals-only dining recommendations for all 50 U.S. states directly to your iPhone (the iPad version also includes 50 international cities). You can search a listing of top destinations as voted on by the LocalEats online community or search criteria such as price, location, or menu category. Unlike other apps, however, this one is truly local: National chain restaurants are completely off its radar. The only detail we'd add is that the LocalEats iPhone app now includes international cities as well, complete with handy travel tips (tipping etiquette, etc).&nbsp;http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/november/choosy-moms-(and-dads)-choose-localeats
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/november/choosy-moms-(and-dads)-choose-localeatsFri, 18 November 2011 15:25:00 The Edible Web: Tuesday21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/november/the-edible-web-tuesdayA humorous piece from The Observer in which Jay Rayner rants about slow eaters and their unjustified moral superiority. A slew of commenters take it very seriously and can't seem to resist using the word "savour."&nbsp; The Huffington Post features&nbsp; celebrity pancakes from artist Katherine Kalnes of LaGrange, IL. Justin Bieber's hair is creepily accurate, and Kelly Ripa's pointy cheekbones look too dangerous for consumption.&nbsp; Lifehacker catalogs 10 Stubborn Food Myths That Just Won't Die, Debunked by Science. Eggs increasing cholesterol, 8 glasses of water a day, and the pan-searing of meats sealing in flavors are among those debunked.&nbsp; With Thanksgiving fast approaching, Time Out New York tracks down New York's best holiday pies. Among those on the list: the pumpkin pie and apple crumb pie from Clinton St. Bakery, the apple pie at The Dutch, the pecan pie and the key lime pie at Blue Smoke, and the candy pie as well as the cinnamon bun pie at Momofuku Milk Bar.http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/november/the-edible-web-tuesday
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/november/the-edible-web-tuesdayTue, 15 November 2011 16:30:00 Friday Web Edibles21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/november/friday-web-ediblesGrub Street New York&nbsp;explores the recent phenomenon of chefs starting with a casual dining concept before expanding with one or more upscale dining establishments. This stands in contrast to the more common path of upscale dining restaurants franchising their brand into numerous more accessible spots. David Chang's Momofuku empire is the poster child for the new model. The Huffington Post lists 7 Hot Boozy Drinks for Cold Weather Sipping. There is nothing quite like a hot pot of Glogg at a holiday party. Just be forewarned that your friends might be strewn about your floors in the morning. And Glogg tends to stain carpets and clothing. I was too busy stuffing my gullet with tacos on my birthday to notice that it was actually National Sandwich Day, so sayeth Serious Eats anyway, with a list of 31 Sandwiches [They] Love in America. &nbsp;Sandwiches on the list include ... The Tipsy Texan from Franklin Barbecue (Austin) The Paesano at Paesano's (Philadelphia) The Cuban Roast Pork at Paseo (Seattle) The Reuben from Jake's Delicatessen (Milwaukee) Chopped Pork Sandwiches from Payne's Bar-B-Q (Memphis) The Muffaletta from Cochon Butcher (New Orleans) On a personal note, I'd eat just about anything presented to me at Cochon (or their butcher shop) in New Orleans. From braised pig cheek to head cheese and a surprisingly fantastic housemade bologna (the boucherie plate is a must), curiosity always pays off with the offbeat swine-centric menu.&nbsp;http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/november/friday-web-edibles
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/november/friday-web-ediblesFri, 11 November 2011 16:30:00 The Best Restaurants in Honolulu21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/november/the-best-restaurants-in-honoluluAs cold creeps onto the mainland and leaves continue falling from the trees, reminding us of death and impending winter, tourist season is just picking up in Hawaii. Just in time for those who prefer to holiday in warmer, less depressing locales, we've revised and updated our list of the best restaurants in Honolulu. Headlining new restaurants on our Top 100 list are Cinnamon's, Salt Kitchen &amp; Tasting Bar, Soul, Uncle Bo's, and V Lounge. Other award winning restaurants include Cafe Maharani (best Indian), Casanblanca (best Moroccan), Chef Mavro (best farm to table) and Coffee Talk (best coffeehouse).&nbsp;http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/november/the-best-restaurants-in-honolulu
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/november/the-best-restaurants-in-honoluluThu, 10 November 2011 15:16:00 The Edible Web: Late-night Talk Show Edition21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/november/the-edible-web-late-night-talk-show-editionConan O'Brien makes pizza while singing Irish lullabies at Joe's Pizza in NYC. He also horrifies the proprietors with a few Los Angeles pizzas: a squash blossom, hazelnut, egg and crab pizza confounds poor Joe. From Eater: David Letterman interviews Anthony Bourdain and expresses concern for his health. They discuss his new show (The Layover), the perils of working brunch and Malaysian street food. Letterman also gets on his old man soapbox about food television shows and gluttony.&nbsp; An oldie but goodie, John Stewart rips Donald Trump for taking Sarah Palin to Famiglia's for "real New York Pizza." He then waxes poetic about superior pies at Totonno's, Lombardi's,&nbsp;Joe's Pizza&nbsp;and a handful of others.&nbsp;Trump is also seen stacking his slices and eating with a fork. Disgraceful.&nbsp; Finally, Jimmy Kimmel makes little children cry -- by encouraging parents to tell their kids they've eaten all their Halloween candy. Oh, the devastation.&nbsp;http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/november/the-edible-web-late-night-talk-show-edition
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/november/the-edible-web-late-night-talk-show-editionWed, 09 November 2011 12:30:00 A Very Foodie Simpsons Episode + 5 Memorable Springfield Restaurants21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/november/a-very-foodie-simpsons-episode-plus-5-memorable-springfield-restaurantsThis Sunday (the 13th), The Simpsons goes full on foodie in an episode entitled, " The Food Wife." And though Homer has had his share of hilarious food moments over the years, whether eating like a duck,&nbsp;consuming&nbsp;"sacrilicious" ceiling waffles, or moonlighting as a food critic, this time it's Marge's turn to share some thoughts on dining as she explores the world of food blogging. Celebrities getting Simpsonized include Gordon Ramsay, Mario Batali and Anthony Bourdain. According to this Grub Street interview with Simpsons producer Matt Selman, the episode will also feature original foodcentric rapping from Adult Swim's Tim and Eric. Just a quick sampling of that awesomeness: I'll be "Frank" like Bruni, "Ruthless" like Reichl "Wiley" like Dufresne, and when I take the mike, I'll&nbsp; Rhyme about radicchio, criticize Colicchio Every pub is gastro, and all my beef carpaccio In honor of this week's episode, I present to you five memorable Springfield restaurants from&nbsp;The Simpsons.&nbsp; The Frying Dutchman: Featured in the episode, "The New Kid on the Block," Homer is dragged kicking and screaming from this all-you-can-eat seafood buffet after eating all the shrimp and two plastic lobsters -- but failing to consume "all he could eat." The Sea Captain gets some quality face time here, as does mall attorney Lionel Hutz, who takes legal action (on Homer's behalf), claiming, "This is the most blatant case of fraudulent advertising since my suit against the film The Neverending Story." Uncle Moe's Family Feedbag: Not content with the same old regular barflies, Moe Szyslak decides that the real money is in family restaurants. He attempts his own concept with plenty of crazy crap on the walls (an alligator with sunglasses!), deep fried everything and "awesomely outrageous" southwestern pizza fingers.&nbsp; The Gilded Truffle: The swankiest spot in Springfield, The Gilded Truffle tends to make appearances when characters are rolling in the dough, out for a romantic evening or standing up their 4th grade teacher after answering her personal ad with a picture of Gordie Howe. Moe steals the show again as he demands that the waiter give him "your finest food stuffed with your second finest." The Happy Sumo: In "One Fish, Two Fish, Blowfish, Blue Fish," Homer insists on ordering the entire menu at The Happy Sumo, including the potentially deadly Fugu fish. The fill-in sushi chef slices (or deflates, if you will) the fish improperly, of course, and Homer is given 22 hours to live. I'd be willing to bet that most of the American public's knowledge of the fugu fish come from this episode.&nbsp; Madame Chao's: While technically not in Springfield, Madame Chao's is billed as "the sexiest Chinese restaurant in Capital City." Homer faces temptation from a co-worker and even desserts seem to conspire to ruin his attempt at fidelity. However, the only two fortune cookie messages in the restaurant read, &nbsp;"You will find happiness with a new love" and "Stick with your wife."http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/november/a-very-foodie-simpsons-episode-plus-5-memorable-springfield-restaurants
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/november/a-very-foodie-simpsons-episode-plus-5-memorable-springfield-restaurantsTue, 08 November 2011 10:00:00 Nashville Food Truck Roundup21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/november/nashville-food-truck-roundupNashville's Grilled Cheeserie Food Truck The mobile food movement has made its way to Music City. And what started as a handful of hopeful chuckwagons has become a fleet of mobile eateries of all varieties. Those wary of the food truck movement, or think it just another trend can continue holding their breath. The rest of us will open our mouths and welcome the smorgasbord offered by these fine vendors. In the current economy, food trucks make sense. Perhaps it's the natural response to the likes of past-their-prime concepts such as upscale pub food, contemporary Mexican (with $12 guacamole) or nightclub Asian fusion. Why pay astronomical prices for burgers, tacos or a bowl of noodles, all of which are simple street foods at heart. From the standpoint of a food truck, it's a great way to get your cuisine directly to the customer without having to bother with building permits, alcohol licenses, large parties of red-hat ladies and other various profit-killing, headache-inducing aspects of opening a restaurant. Whatever the reason for their rise, food trucks continue to pop up all over town. Without further ado, here are some of Nashville's best food trucks. Click on the restaurant name for its Twitter handle, or follow our list of Nashville food trucks. Riffs Fine Street Food: With offerings from around the globe -- Caribbean and Korean influences show up most frequently -- Riffs won the first annual Battle of the Food Trucks. Riffs' renditions of jerk chicken and shrimp and grits (which has an impressive depth of flavor) could stand up to the versions at most restaurants. The beastly bulgogi burger is impressive as well. Extra points for the 1/2 portions: a great value and still plenty of food. The Hoss Burgers truck Hoss Burgers: Gourmet grass-fed burgers stuffed with cheese are the order of the day. The namesake burger, cooked a perfect medium, is stuffed with cheddar cheese (which oozes out the edges) and topped with barbecue sauce, bacon and crispy onions. Decadently delicious. Food truck fries can sometimes be a bummer, but these thin, crispy rosemary-parmesan fries retain their texture. Veggie burgers are available as well. The Grilled Cheeserie: One of the first food trucks to hit the scene, the Grilled Cheeserie truck often has the longest line (it moves fast, though). Sure, you could drunkenly throw your own grilled cheese together at home, but more than likely it wouldn't be a masterpiece like The Caliente -- chorizo, queso fresco, avocado, jalapeno and caramelized onions on sourdough. Terra Delicious: There's no rule stipulating that street food must be terrible for you. More of a trailer (dubbed The Lady Bug) than a truck, Terra Delicious focuses on healthy wraps, soups and sandwiches with locally sourced ingredients. A hearty grilled chicken wrap with summer squash, peppers and mushrooms is simple, fresh and filling. The Terra Delicious Lady Bug Pizza Buds: The only pizza-by-the-slice truck in town, Pizza Buds slice somewhat resembles roller rink pizza (not a bad thing), but what makes it unique is the brown sugar and parmesan glaze that is brushed onto the crust for a sweet finish. Bonus points for perhaps the coolest vehicle in the food truck fleet, a scraggly old RV with "Leisure Time" written on the cab. Shaggy and Scooby would approve. Yayo's O.M.G: OMG! ROFLOL! You'll totally like find some of literally the city's best (but messy) fish tacos at this truck serving "Original Mexican Gourmet from Chef B. 'Yayo' Jimenez. Rollin' &amp; Smokin': An impressive setup with a sizeable smoker attached to the tailgate, Rollin' and Smokin' (not to be confused with the 2Pac song of the same name, and a slightly different meaning) serves up slow smoked brisket, hickory smoked pork butt and damn fine 3-bean smoked chicken chili. Follow the smoke. The Competition Ribs from Smoke Et Al Happy Eating: Happy Eating is relatively easy to spot, bedecked with bright colors and a giant Anime girl (or boy?) eating rice dumplings on a skewer. Gyoza, lemongrass chicken bowls, various sweet treats and deliciously airy pork buns are among the offerings. Smoke Et Al: Smoke et Al specializes in barbecue but serves everything from pork tacos to chicken and biscuits and hot mulled cider. Dry rubbed ribs are worth the wait, and the pickled fried okra is fantastic. Mas Tacos Por Favor: Among Nashville's first food trucks, Mas Tacos has for the most part settled into its new stationary digs on McFerrin Ave in East Nashville, but they still take the truck out once in a while. None of the tacos fail to impress -- try the fried avocado taco when in doubt. The brilliant elote and the potent chicken tortilla soup are showstoppers as well. Mere Bulles: Brentwood's contemporary southern fare stalwart has gone mobile. The nap-inducing, saucy/cheesy Italian sausage sandwich is a behemoth. The Sugar Wagon: Big flavors come from little food carts. The Sugar Wagon's gourmet ice cream sandwiches are the real deal. Peanut butter ice cream sandwiched between two chocolate chip cookies: bloody brilliant! (Some treats are vegan friendly as well). Italian sausage sandwich from Mere Bulles Izzie's Ice: A godsend on a scorching hot Nashville summer day, these Italian ice cups pack plenty of flavor -- go with the honeydew or the cherry-berry. Cupcake Collection: Currently Nashville's only food bus, the Cupcake Bus doles out sweet treats from the Cupcake Collection shop in Germantown. Sink your teeth into the red velvet cake or the peanut butter mousse on chocolate.&nbsp;http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/november/nashville-food-truck-roundup
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/november/nashville-food-truck-roundupFri, 04 November 2011 14:05:00 Bon Appétit's Best New Restaurants in America in 201121241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/november/bon-appétits-best-new-restaurants-in-america-in-2011Bon Appétit magazine released its prestigious annual "Best New Restaurants in America" list. Though one restaurant has closed since publication - the oft-raved about but lease-challenged M. Wells in Long Island City, New York - here are the remaining 9 newcomers that have captured the nation's attention. 9. Bondier, Cambridge MA. 8. Congress, Austin, TX 7. Son of a Gun, Los Angeles, CA 6. Talula's Garden, Philadelphia, PA 5. Ruxbin, Chicago, IL 4. Travail Kitchen and Amusements, Robbinsdale, MN 3. The Walrus and the Carpenter, Seattle, WA 2. Mission Chinese Food, San Francisco, CA 1. Husk, Charleston, SC A big score for Chucktown, hosting the best new restaurant of 2011. Though only the 210th biggest city in the country, Charleston ranks among the country's best dining destinations with unparalleled Low Country cuisine, a burgeoning local food scene and the requisite fried seafood joints. Here's our list of the best restaurants in Charleston.&nbsp;http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/november/bon-appétits-best-new-restaurants-in-america-in-2011
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/november/bon-appétits-best-new-restaurants-in-america-in-2011Wed, 02 November 2011 11:45:00 The Edible Web21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/november/the-edible-webA brief look at the food happenings on the interwebs today. The Huffington Post counts " 8 Ubiquitious Menu Items We Don't Need to See Anymore." Agree with sliders and molten chocolate cake, but not so much caprese salad (classic and simple) or pork belly (perhaps overused, but still a superior foodstuff when prepared correcty). Mario Batali dresses as Guy Fieri for Halloween, from Eater. Yet, he still couldn't part ways with those godforsaken orange Crocs, even though they're totally incongruous with the rest of the costume. Barbara Hansen of LA Weekly interviews chef/owner John Sedlar&nbsp;(of&nbsp;Rivera), who thinks Mexican food may be heading in a the wrong direction with regards to modern/global influences. RoadFood's Michael Stern pops in Frank Pepe's for a white clam pie. Why just two months ago I was stuffing my gullet there.&nbsp;I prefer a basic tomato pie to the white clam, but it's definitely worth a try if you're a first timer.&nbsp;http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/november/the-edible-web
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/november/the-edible-webTue, 01 November 2011 12:44:00 LocalEats Named to PC World's "Best Local Food" Sites21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/october/localeats-named-to-pc-worlds-best-local-food-sitesNicholas Dekker, food blogger and author of the book Breakfast With Nick: Columbus, included LocalEats on his list of "Useful Sites" to find the "Best Local Food," for PC World magazine. Asked about which food sites he's most likely to turn to first, Dekker populates his list with sites that "focus on the local and the personal." Regarding the recently revamped LocalEats website, Dekker states:&nbsp; "At LocalEats you can draw on local expertise to aid your quest for good eats around the country. Visitors can look up major metropolitan areas to find restaurant listings, where the profiles use text from the restaurants' websites and include links and driving directions. The Foodie Blogs section organizes food sites by city; readers can find a listing of registered food blogs from that location, complete with Web addresses and links to the latest posts. The city searches also feature the dining sections of local media and sites such as those from newspapers and magazines, so no matter where you are in the country, you're always in the know." We're honored to be included on such an exclusive, well-thought-out list. We're also appreciative of the nod to our national network of food bloggers, an invaluabe resource for keeping a pulse on local food and dining nationwide.&nbsp;http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/october/localeats-named-to-pc-worlds-best-local-food-sites
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/october/localeats-named-to-pc-worlds-best-local-food-sitesMon, 31 October 2011 13:28:00 The Edible Web: Manly Meaty Edition21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/october/the-edible-web-manly-meaty-editionA Kansas City Barbeque Society certified barbecue judge weighs in on the McRib, with somewhat predictable results. I'm partial to the phrase "restructured meat products." Just in time for this depressingly wintery weather, A Hamburger Today shares Ten Tips for Making Better Burgers.&nbsp; Tired of being teased by all the "In-N-Out Burger may be franchising in your state soon" stories that never seem to pan out? According to Eater, you can have two frozen&nbsp; Double-Doubles overnighted&nbsp;to your location&nbsp;for the mere sum of $50 (plus shipping).&nbsp; For your viewing edification: A slideshow of the Best Burgers in the U.S. from Food &amp; Wine. Among restaurants on the list are Holeman &amp; Finch (Atlanta), Minetta Tavern (NYC), Ray's Hell Burger (Arlington, VA) and Dyer's Burgers (Memphis). I'll vouch for the decadent, melt-in-your mouth burger at Father's Office in Santa Monica, cooked a perfect medium rare and topped with&nbsp;caramelized onions, bacon, gruyere and Maytag blue cheese.http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/october/the-edible-web-manly-meaty-edition
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/october/the-edible-web-manly-meaty-editionFri, 28 October 2011 13:06:00 A LocalEats Shout Out From the Great White North (Vancouver)21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/october/a-localeats-shout-out-from-the-great-white-north-(vancouver)LocalEats got some media love from Shelley Fralic of the Vancouver Sun in her article, "Working up an app-etite" (har har). &nbsp;She listed LocalEats first among restaurant finding apps and had the following to say: " ... if you'd rather make reservations instead of rump roast, the 99-cent Local Eats lists the top 100 restaurants and 'best of' in major cities around the globe, and allows the user to browse by category, neighbourhood and price. The Vancouver link has all the usual tony suspects, like Bishop's and Vij's, but also points to funky eateries like Crave on Main and Bin 941. Each entry has photos, descriptions and maps." We're happy to hear that we sufficiently mixed in some "funky eateries" with the sometimes more obvious upscale choices. Follow the link for our full list of Vancouver's best restaurants. You can find our newly updated app (which now includes 50 more international cities as well as a "search by landmark" feature) in the iTunes store.&nbsp;http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/october/a-localeats-shout-out-from-the-great-white-north-(vancouver)
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/october/a-localeats-shout-out-from-the-great-white-north-(vancouver)Thu, 27 October 2011 15:15:00 The Meatball Shop Cookbook21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/october/the-meatball-shop-cookbookNew York's premiere meatball eatery, The Meatball Shop is releasing a cookbook (Nov 1) by Daniel Holzman and Michael Chernow (pre-order here).&nbsp;Here's a meaty preview from the fine folks at&nbsp; Eater. Count me in. I recently had the good fortune of popping in their West Village store after catching a show at the Mercury Lounge. Though 11:30 on a Monday night, the place was wall-to-wall packed. After a short wait my companions and I were ushered through the noisy dining rooom to a large communal table. The menu is basically a checklist. Meatballs can be taken naked (4 balls), as sliders (1 ball), smashed on a brioche bun (2 balls), on a bed of veggies (3 balls), or on a hero (3 balls). You also can mix and match with five different sauces. It's perfect for the adventurous yet indecisive eater - though a nightmare for the indecisive who suffer from menu anxiety.&nbsp;Considering the small space, the noise and the seemingly endless number of possible meatball combinations one can choose from, the Meatball Shop worked incredibly efficiently. There were balls before us in less than 15 minutes. Among our favorites meatballs were the classic and the spicy pork. The mushroom gravy sauce rocked as well (fingers crossed that it's in the cookbook). For dessert there are mix-and-match ice cream sandwiches wherein you choose the flavor of ice cream as well as the kind of cookie on both sides. The options never end! Madness, I say. I need a hero!&nbsp;http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/october/the-meatball-shop-cookbook
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/october/the-meatball-shop-cookbookWed, 26 October 2011 16:30:00 LocalEats Version 2.2 for the iPhone!21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/october/localeats-version-22-for-the-iphone!Good news, app lovers, Apple lifers and proud new owners of the iPhone 4S: We've released the latest version of LocalEats. Helping you find the best locally owned restaurants (this means no chains - sorry, McRib enthusiasts), LocalEats for the iPhone now includes international restaurants. Aside from bug fixes, stunning graphics alterations and vast speed improvements, other new features include ... - New State/City navigation. You will now see a break down of our cities by state. When you select a state, you will see a list of our Metro Areas (more options, cool skyline pic, etc) AND every individual city where we have restaurant listings!&nbsp; - Tips for International cities. When you are on an International cities home page (with the skyline pic), you can select Tips to a see a few useful travel/eating tips there.&nbsp; - You can now search for restaurants near landmarks as well. Just go to the nearby section, turn off the "use current location" switch and type one in. Empire State Building, Madison Square Garden, etc.&nbsp; If you already have LocalEats, update your app today (for free). If you're a first timer, find us here in the iTunes store. If you're&nbsp;searching on your phone you can locate us in the Paid Travel category.&nbsp;http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/october/localeats-version-22-for-the-iphone!
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/october/localeats-version-22-for-the-iphone!Wed, 26 October 2011 12:20:00 USA Today Lists Zagat's Top 30 Dining Spots 21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/october/usa-today-lists-zagats-top-30-dining-spotsThe&nbsp;USA Today&nbsp;printed a list of " America's top restaurants" from&nbsp;Zagat. The common denominator is a food rating of 29 out of a possible 30. And while we'd trust most restaurants bearing a rating that high, it's a bit of a headscratcher why Sacramento would have three times as many restaurants (6) with a 29 rating as San Francisco (2) -- guess there's not much of a dining scene there. Atlanta and Boston only have one a piece. Methodology of the quotation-mark-happy red book aside, here are the the restaurants that made the cut.&nbsp; Atlanta: Bacchanalia Boston: O Ya Connecticut (Branford): Le Petit Cafe Chicago: Les Nomades, Alinea, Schwa Cleveland (Vermilion, Ohio): Chez Francois Dallas/Fort Worth: Bonnell's Kansas City (Smithville, Mo.): Justus Drugstore Los Angeles: Matsuhisa Miami: Naoe Milwaukee: Roots, Sanford, Eddie Martini's (Wauwatosa, Wis.) New Jersey (Red Bank, N.J.): Nicholas New York City: Le Bernardin, Daniel, Sushi Nanase (White Plains, N.Y.), North Fork Table (Southold, N.Y.) Sacramento area: Mulvaney's Building &amp; Loan, The Kitchen, Ambience (Carmichael, Calif.), Sunflower Drive In (Fair Oaks, Calif.), Taste (Plymouth, Calif.) San Diego: Market San Francisco: Gary Danko, French Laundry (Yountville, Calif.) Washington, D.C.: Komi, Marcel's, Inn at Little Washington (Washington, Va.)http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/october/usa-today-lists-zagats-top-30-dining-spots
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/october/usa-today-lists-zagats-top-30-dining-spotsTue, 25 October 2011 16:00:00 Monday Web Edibles21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/october/monday-web-ediblesAt one point in his life, Steve Jobs&nbsp;allegedly ate enough carrots to turn orange. Entertainment Weekly runs down a few of the bizarre dietary habits chronicled in Walter Isaacson's Steve Jobs biography.&nbsp; Mallie's Sports Bar &amp; Grill (just south of Detroit) aims for Guinness glory with a 3-foot tall, 338-pound cheeseburger.&nbsp; On The Moth podcast, David Chang describes an awkward, quasi-traumatic encounter with former Michelin Guide director Jean-Luc Naret at Momofuku Ko.&nbsp; Bachelors rejoice!&nbsp;Bon Appetit&nbsp;runs down&nbsp; 5 Common Scrambled Egg Mistakes. News to me: chopsticks make for a more appropriate scrambling tool than a fork.&nbsp;http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/october/monday-web-edibles
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/october/monday-web-ediblesMon, 24 October 2011 16:45:00 The Edible Web: Recipe Roundup21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/october/the-edible-web-recipe-roundupTop Chef fan favorite Richard Blais, of Flip Burger Boutique, spells out the recipes for 5 condiments you can make at home, from CNN's Eatocracy.&nbsp;&nbsp;Instant coffee in bbq sauce? Brilliant. How to Make Chinese Orange Anything, from Food Republic.&nbsp;Simple and straighforward, but probably not a good idea for swordfish or a porterhouse steak.&nbsp; The New York Times offers a plethora of Vegetarian Recipes for Entertaining. Take a gander at this gorgeous eggplant parmesan deconstructed. How deliciously inverse. And to keep things seasonal, a recipe for pumpkin cannellloni with clams and sage brown butter from Epicurious.&nbsp; Pumpkin Peeps making their autumnal apperance. They're so seasonally sustainable!&nbsp;http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/october/the-edible-web-recipe-roundup
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/october/the-edible-web-recipe-roundupFri, 21 October 2011 14:00:00 5 Great Restaurant Scenes in Movies21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/october/5-great-restaurant-scenes-in-moviesSure, we've all seen the "I'll have what she's having" scene from When Harry Met Sally (in Katz's Delicatessen) dozens of times. But there are countless other memorable restaurant scenes that are just as deserving of our attention. And though many celebrities would not be caught dead ingesting food in public in real life, they do a fairly convincing job faking it (or acting, if you will) in the following scenes. In 5 Easy Pieces&nbsp; Jack Nicholson plays a classically trained pianist who opts for a life of working in oil fields, beer, bowling and general disaffected drifting. When his father falls ill, he must return home and face the music, so to speak (a family of musicians who prefer a more refined lifestyle). On the way, Nicholson's character displays some impressive semantic skills at a diner to circumvent a stubborn waitress and a menu that lacks toast (as a side). Keeping with the theme of surly service, Steve Martin makes a cameo in The Muppet Movie as the waiter at a "romantic" dinner for Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy.&nbsp;&nbsp;Martin walks a fine line between his usual stand-up silliness and an almost believable portrayal of a waiter unable to effectively mask his contempt for both his job and the customer. Most memorable is his presentation of the wine: "Sparkling Muscatel, one of the finest wines of Idaho."&nbsp; The tables have turned for Steve Martin in Carl Reiner's The Jerk,&nbsp;as this time he plays the rube attempting to order wine at a French restaurant. The newly-moneyed Navin Johnson requests "No more 1966 ... bring us some fresh wine. The freshest you've got. This year's." After that matter is settled, he must shelter his wife (a hilarious Bernadette Peters) from the horrors on the plate&nbsp; before her. (No embedded clip this time: follow the link) Food and restaurants play an integral role in Quentin Tarantino's Pulp Fiction. Between discussions centering on a Royale with cheese, cold-blooded speeches wrapped around bites of a Big Kahuna Burger, and foiling an attempted restaurant heist, Vincent Vega (John Travolta) and Jules Winnfield (Samuel L. Jackson) seem to have food on the brain. However, perhaps the most interesting restaurant scene in the film takes place at Jack Rabbit Slim's, a "wax museum with a pulse." Who wouldn't want a $5 milkshake and a Durward Kirby Burger served "bloody as hell" by a disinterested Steve Buscemi dressed as Buddy Holly? And finally, John Cusack plays Lane Meyer, a sad-sack, recently dumped high school student - what a stretch - in Better Off Dead. Yet another reason to be mopey, Lane works a demeaning job at a fast food joint, Pig Burger, with an ornery boss and a less-than-dignified pig hat. Here, his imagination gets him in trouble again in a bizarre Frankenstein homage featuring a claymation, electric-guitar playing hamburger singing Van Halen's "Everybody Wants Some." Makes perfect sense.&nbsp;http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/october/5-great-restaurant-scenes-in-movies
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/october/5-great-restaurant-scenes-in-moviesThu, 20 October 2011 13:15:00 The Edible Web: Wednesday21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/october/the-edible-web-wednesdayIn an interview for Playboy, Anthony Bourdain can't resist a few jabs at some of his usual punching bags (vegetarians, vegans, Emeril Lagasse, Bobby Flay). Nothing too new, but amusing results nonetheless. Bon Appetit sets up a photo shoot involving John Hodgman&nbsp;in pilgrim garb attempting to wrangle a 25-lb live turkey.'Nuff said. KFC continues its disgusting assault on the arteries of the American public with the " Cheesy Bacon Bowl." C'mon KFC, we're trying to have a civilization, here. Further viewing: Here's Patton Oswalt's&nbsp;brilliant take on the KFC Famous Bowl -- a failure pile in a sadness bowl, as he dubs it. The Senate has rejected President Obama's proposal to limit the amount of potatoes and starchy vegetables served in school cafeterias. Reassuring to know another generation of Napoleon Dynamites will not be without their tots in the lunchroom or during class.&nbsp;http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/october/the-edible-web-wednesday
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/october/the-edible-web-wednesdayWed, 19 October 2011 12:25:00 On Frank Bruni and "Food Psychosis"21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/october/on-frank-bruni-and-food-psychosis&nbsp; After one particularly insufferable, exorbitantly expensive meal, a fed up&nbsp; Frank Bruni&nbsp;asserts that our culture's "food madness" has become "food psychosis" in this&nbsp; New York Times&nbsp;op-ed. The former NYT head dining critic reached a breaking point following an 11-course meal in which each course was paired with a different flavored water -- a wordy flashcard accompanied each dish as well. So the question is: has our dining-obsessed culture gone off the deep end? Or is Mr. Bruni's perspective perhaps colored by the fact that his occupation frequently exposes him to the worst offenders? I can't help but agree with him to an extent that the dining experience has become too precious and that at times, "we've tumbled far, far down the organic rabbit hole." I recently waited an hour for a cocktail at a speakeasy-style cocktail bar/restaurant, where they make all the mixers in house and they smash, muddle, strain, ignite and molest the hell out of every artisanal ingredient. When inquiring about my drink (at the 30 and 45 minute marks), I was told by multiple suspender-clad servers, "We take a little more care with our cocktails, so naturally it's going to take a little bit longer than at most places." Clearly there was a mix-up in the line of communication, which happens at restaurants all the time. I have no issue with this, but being shrugged off with the same long-winded spiel was a bit much. When a restaurant favors lofty production and paragraph length descriptions for entrees, they often lose track of some very basic principles of hospitality and competence. It's hard to argue with Mr. Bruni's exasperation, as high production restaurants get more ridiculous, foodies more obsessive and farm-to-table menus more self-congratulatory, but I find there are also a few encouraging trends that seem to have their roots in real food. Burgers, pizza and tacos are among the most talked about foodstuffs on the internet. Barbecue restaurants outside the South, though seemingly more trendy than legitimate at first, are starting to finally get it -- realizing that it's about the smoke, not having 10 kinds of sauce and cheeky side items. The food truck movement has created a resurgence in street food. Sure, it's occasionally silly -- $8 for a grilled cheese is steep -- but cheesesteaks, burgers, tacos and noodles are all unpretentious foods at heart. It just makes more sense to pay street prices rather than sit down for "upscale pub food" or "contemporary Mexican" with a $12 bowl of guacamole. Our food obsessed nation should probably get a grip and just enjoy a meal without taking pictures of it (I'm 100% guilty of this), but at least there are positive signs indicating our food fixation often rewards purveyors of real, down-to-earth food. (Sadly, this is not a farfetched scenario for those afflicted with food psychosis)http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/october/on-frank-bruni-and-food-psychosis
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/october/on-frank-bruni-and-food-psychosisTue, 18 October 2011 16:10:00 Mario Batali's Favorite (domestic) Italian Restaurants21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/october/mario-batalis-favorite-(domestic)-italian-restaurantsFood &amp; Wine asked the ubiquitous Croc-footed super chef, Mario Batali, about his favorite Italian restaurants in the U.S.&nbsp;Among those on the list are&nbsp; Salumi (Seattle), Vetri (Philadelphia), Porchetta (NYC), Pizzeria Picco (Larkspur, CA) and Pizzeria Bianco (Phoenix). If you're in the Big Apple, we'd recommend stopping in at Batali's latest venture,&nbsp; Eataly. Though slightly overwhelming at first, this enormous, bustling temple celebrating all things Italian cuisine will tantalize your tastebuds with 6 restaurants and a market boasting fresh fish, wine, a butcher, countless cheeses, pasta-to-go and much more. The rooftop bar, Birreria, offers stellar views and beer brewed in house (at rooftop prices, of course). A cask of Batali's beer (a collaborative effort with Dogfish Head, Baladin and Del Borgo) and a glimpse of the Empire State Building at Birreriahttp://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/october/mario-batalis-favorite-(domestic)-italian-restaurants
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/october/mario-batalis-favorite-(domestic)-italian-restaurantsMon, 17 October 2011 12:08:00 Friday Web Edibles21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/october/friday-web-ediblesThe Charlotte Motor Speedway debuts a bacon funnel cake for the Bank of America 500 Nascar Sprint. Cup. My faith in American ingenuity is restored. My belief that most of my generation will require a monkey heart transplant before reaching the age of 40 also grows stronger.&nbsp; Paul Kita names "The 10 Foods Every Man Must Eat Before He Dies." Why isn't the list gender inclusive: no reason that we can tell, other than the fact that it appears in Men's Health.&nbsp; I've never met a flan that I didn't like. Here's a recipe for rice pudding flan from Serious Eats.&nbsp; Chow runs down " 6 Fall Beers You should be Drinking Right Now." You're right, Chow. It's after 5 pm on a Friday: I should be drinking six beers right now.&nbsp;http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/october/friday-web-edibles
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/october/friday-web-ediblesFri, 14 October 2011 17:10:00 Chef Tyler Brown: Local Boy Makes Good (Food)21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/october/chef-tyler-brown-local-boy-makes-good-(food)Nashville's own Tyler Brown of the Hermitage Hotel's Capitol Grille has been named one of Four New Chefs to watch in Esquire's Best New Restaurants 2011 issue.&nbsp;In praise of Brown, John Mariani says,&nbsp; "Using a 66-acre farm for most of his provender, Brown shows how far southern cooking has come without losing what made it great in the first place." This isn't your average farm-to-table operation though, as Tyler Brown, in addition to his duties as head chef, created the garden at Glen Leven and does much of the dirty work (planting, weeding, harvesting) himself. We'll definitely be stopping in for his signature sweet onion bisque soon, as well as spending some quality time in the unspoiled art deco bathroom adjacent to the Oak Bar downstairs - the shoe-shine station is an ideal place to take a seat and hold forth about politics and other manly matters.&nbsp;http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/october/chef-tyler-brown-local-boy-makes-good-(food)
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/october/chef-tyler-brown-local-boy-makes-good-(food)Fri, 14 October 2011 11:24:00 Trigg County Country Ham Festival21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/october/trigg-county-country-ham-festivalWhile attending a wedding at scenic Lake Barkley Park last weekend, I happened to take a quick day trip into nearby Cadiz, Kentucky. And what did I see among the antique shops and country buffet restaurants lining "downtown" Cadiz: Pigs. Everywhere. Not live, mind you, but pig decorations of all varieties: banners, lawn ornaments and bizarre sculptures celebrating swine. Upon closer observation, it became apparent that the town was ramping up for the annual Trigg County Country Ham Festival, now in its 35th&nbsp;year, to be held Oct 14-16. It seems only appropriate that Cadiz centers their yearly celebration on what they are best known for: producing some of the finest old-school country hams &nbsp;- read more about it from southern food expert and man-about-ham John T. Edge.&nbsp; Any country ham lover worth their salt (sorry, could not resist) would do well to make the trek to Cadiz for carnival rides, sand sculptures, pig races, but most importantly, plenty of ham. More to the point, if you are a food festival enthusiast, LocalEats keeps a calendar of the best food festivals and events nationwide. So whether you're looking for information on&nbsp;Fried Onion Burger Day in El Reno, OK,&nbsp; the Apple-Scrapple Festival in Bridgeville, DE, or Wurstfest in New Braunfels, TX, we've got you covered.http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/october/trigg-county-country-ham-festival
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/october/trigg-county-country-ham-festivalThu, 13 October 2011 14:45:00 Wednesday Web Edibles21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/october/wednesday-web-ediblesOh, how I loathe candy corn. Stale, sugary occupier of candy bowls and the crutch of cheapskates who don't give away legit candy. Food Diggity has devised some clever "Other Uses For Candy Corn"(traffic cones for toy cars, etc).&nbsp; As our inboxes reach saturation point with daily deals - no, I don't particularly want 52% off bedazzle beads or a pole dancing class - Ryan Sutton of Food &amp; Wine makes a list of&nbsp;&nbsp;" 5 Signs You Got a Bad [restaurant] Deal." An elementary school teacher/blogger who ate cafeteria lunches for a year, shares her findings in new book, Fed Up with Lunch. Is there such a thing as too much Salisbury steak?&nbsp; How does Occupy Wall Street pertain to food? Carey Polis of the Huffington Post explores. According to the video, some protesters have resorted to McDonald's, while others "brought a crap-ton of granola."&nbsp; Lewis Black does not much care for candy corn either.&nbsp;http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/october/wednesday-web-edibles
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/october/wednesday-web-ediblesWed, 12 October 2011 16:00:00 The Edible Web21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/october/the-edible-web-(3)The internet can be such a delicious place. Here's a look at the most significant web happenings in the world of restaurants and dining today. Esquire released its Best New Restaurants of 2011 list. They (justifiably) dock points for restaurants where ... "Any cast member from Jersey Shore would be allowed to dine. Adam Richman of Man v. Food eats. Liquid nitrogen, oysters, chocolate syrup, or caviar are used to make ice cream." The National Hot Dog and Sausage Council weighs in on the Tiger Woods hot dog fiasco: "The use of an iconic food in an act of violence against an iconic golfer like Tiger Woods is reprehensible -- and a violation of hot dog etiquette. Some might call the thrower a 'wiener,' but we'd say that's too high a compliment. Hot dogs are meant to be enjoyed -- not weaponized. " Clay Risen of The Atlantic gives a brief history and a beginner's guide to the oft-divisive pumpkin ale. Beer + pumpkins: what's not to like here? And finally, for your viewing edification, a short film on the true birthplace of pizza: Korea.http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/october/the-edible-web-(3)
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/october/the-edible-web-(3)Tue, 11 October 2011 15:30:00 Detroit's Best Restaurants21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/october/detroits-best-restaurantsIt's Monday night. And for the first time in many many years, Detroit Lions fans are ready for some football! (Though they certainly won't be made ready by a certain song from Hank Willams, Jr. due to recent boneheaded comments). Just in time for Daaa Bears rolling into Motor City, we've revised and updated our Top 100 list of Detroit's best restaurants. In addition to the thrill of the Lions achieving relevance, Detroit fans are also excited to host the Texas Rangers in the ALCS starting Tuesday evening. If you're heading to any of these sporting contests and don't want to pay stadium prices for questionable food, here's a list of great locally-owned&nbsp; restaurants near Ford Field and restaurants near Comerica Park.&nbsp; Quite a diverse dining scene, Detroit boasts great global options near the stadiums, from Vicente's Cuban Cuisine&nbsp;to Pegasus Tavern (open late so ideal for a post game bite) and&nbsp; Jacoby's German Biergarten, where Detroit has gotten its schnitzel fix for over 100 years. For burgers, beers and big screen TV's, Harry's Detroit is a solid spot to watch the game or stop in after it's over. Motown is definitely singing a sweeter song than in seasons past.&nbsp;http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/october/detroits-best-restaurants
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/october/detroits-best-restaurantsMon, 10 October 2011 16:15:00 Dining Time Warp: Eisenberg's Sandwich Shop21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/october/dining-time-warp-eisenbergs-sandwich-shopAcross the country, nostalgia tends to sell well when it comes to dining. Smaller towns play up their "historic" downtown areas, and old drug stores, diners and soda shops are often restored to resemble a simpler and "more innocent" time for America. Eisenberg's Sandwich Shop, a throwback from another era for sure, is a different breed. It's been so consistently busy and beloved since opening in 1929, they just never bothered to change anything. The takeout line extending out the door and the busy lunch counter attest that this is no museum, but rather a no-frills sandwich shop that serves up hefty portions of comforting classics. The sign out front says it best, "You either get it or you don't."&nbsp; Its popularity might confound the average Yelper or anyone expecting anything frilly, fusion-y, locally sourced or artisanal (whatever this actually means), but those who can appreciate the simplicity of a tuna salad sandwich, a hearty bowl of matzo ball soup and a proper Lime Rickey will "get it." As for my most excellent dining adventure at Eisenberg's, I went with an oversized egg salad sandwich on wheat with bacon. The egg salad overflowing from the sandwich leaned more heavily egg than mayo (success!), and unsurprisingly, bacon turned out to be a wise choice (when is it not?), as crispy crumbled bits&nbsp;added a textural dimension. A&nbsp;serviceable side of steak fries and a brilliant, not-too-sugary Lime Rickey completed the experience. Other classic sandwiches include the likes of chopped liver, the tuna melt, the BLT and the corned beef and pastrami sandwich with Swiss cheese and slaw. The matzo ball soup draws rave reviews, as well. Eisenberg's is also one of the few remaining places in the city where one can get an egg cream, an old school favorite consisting of chocolate syrup, milk and soda water, but neither eggs nor cream. In fact, if you can identify all of the celebrities in the photos behind the counter, you are entitled to a free egg cream - my dining companions and I couldn't recognize them all, but we were familiar with a disgruntled looking Cynthia Nixon scowling over us while we dined. I came in expecting Eisenberg's to be more about nostalgia and old New York ambience than the food. As I left completely stuffed and satisfied, I realized it's likely still around not because of our penchant for looking backwards with sentimentality, but because the food they serve is simply timeless.&nbsp; "Raising New York's Cholesterol Since 1929"http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/october/dining-time-warp-eisenbergs-sandwich-shop
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/october/dining-time-warp-eisenbergs-sandwich-shopMon, 10 October 2011 11:30:00 The Edible Web21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/october/the-edible-web-(2)Hate cilantro? It may just be your genetic predisposition. Although it's the wrong predisposition, and you might be a mutant.&nbsp; Eatocracy examines 5 American Cheeses to Try Right Now - and no, none of them come in individually wrapped slices. From NPR: Brian Price, a former inmate in a Texas prison who prepared over 200 last meals, makes the case for continuing the practice.&nbsp; Are we as a nation really ready for vending machine pizza? I wonder where it ranks in relation to roller rink pizza and cardboard cafeteria pizza.&nbsp; &nbsp; Cilantro: vile weed or brilliant topper of tacos?&nbsp;http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/october/the-edible-web-(2)
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/october/the-edible-web-(2)Fri, 07 October 2011 11:06:00 Milwaukee's Best (Restaurants)21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/october/milwaukees-best-(restaurants)The pesky Arizona Diamondbacks took down the Brewers 10-6 in their NLDS game Wednesday night. But the beloved Brew Crew is not snakebit just yet: there's a deciding game 5 to be had in Milwaukee Friday evening. If you're making the trek to Miller Park, you could just eat at the stadium. But those who value their digestive tracts as well as their hard earned cash will be looking for local Milwaukee restaurants for a bite &nbsp;before or after the game. Lucky for the latter group that we've just revised and edited our list of Milwaukee's Best restaurants. For those unfamiliar with our new site, you can search for Milwaukee restaurants by price range, category (cuisine), address and even proximity to landmarks.&nbsp; Restaurants near Miller Park include Saz's State House&nbsp;-&nbsp;go with the St. Louis-style ribs or the fried fish on Friday - which is also an ideal place to watch the game if you don't have tickets. Or there's the classic German beer hall experience at Kegel's Inn, open since 1924. For post-game pizza, Balistreri's Bluemond Inn&nbsp;is a favorite among locals as well.&nbsp;&nbsp; Happy dining in the Brew City, or as the Algonquin Indians called it, Mill-e-wah-que, for "The Good Land." (at least according to Alice Cooper)http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/october/milwaukees-best-(restaurants)
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/october/milwaukees-best-(restaurants)Thu, 06 October 2011 16:00:00 The Edible Web21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/october/the-edible-web-(1)A few choice selections from the delicious world of the web: The key to getting Al Qaeda operatives to crack under interrogation: pizza. (Is there nothing it can't do?) Ice cream and cookies also played integral roles, according to Andrew Serwer of Mother Jones in his analysis of the memoir of former FBI interrogator Ali Soufan. Michelin releases their 2012 New York City guide, and John Mariani of Esquire yawns. A thorough breakdown of the mysterious Michelin process and oft-confounding star rating system. Alex Vallis of Food &amp; Wine writes the guide on How to Embarass Yourself in a Nice Restaurant. Only a 5 item list?? I can think of about 20 more that I've stumbled upon unintentially. Eater NY maps out the restaurants visited by U.S. presidents in The Guide to Presidential Dining in New York City. Obama and Clinton seem to have a lot in common ( Daniel, Red Rooster, Il Mulino), as did Reagan and Nixon ( Le Perigord). Rugged individualist Teddy Roosevelt did his manly dining at Delmonico's. No mention of President Taft. Maybe he took his meals at home (or in the bath). Bonus video. The POTUS and Joe Biden hit up Ray's Hell Burger in Arlington. Excellent choice, sir.http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/october/the-edible-web-(1)
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/october/the-edible-web-(1)Wed, 05 October 2011 15:50:00 A Macworld Mention21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/october/a-macworld-mentionOur ears are burning. Philip Michaels of Macworld shared some kind words about LocalEats in his latest app review. We weren't the center of attention this time around - a restaurant finder called Alfred is featured - but in a way, it's all the more flattering to be included. In contrast to the aforementioned app, Michaels says: "And while I certainly appreciate turning to the wisdom of crowds for restaurant suggestions, I prefer a more curated experience like the one that&nbsp;LocalEats&nbsp;provides." It's wonderful to be thought of us first when it comes to finding great local restaurants, and we're happy to say that today, we're covering more than 450 cities along with many large international markets. Read the rest of the article&nbsp; here.&nbsp;http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/october/a-macworld-mention
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/october/a-macworld-mentionTue, 04 October 2011 16:30:00 Happy Birthday, Buster Keaton!21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/october/happy-birthday,-buster-keaton!Buster Keaton, star of the silent screen, was one of the more gifted physical comedians to ever walk this earth. In honor of what would be his 116th birthday, here's a clip of Keaton hamming it up in a restaurant in the 1923 film, Three Ages. Fantastic bit of physical comedy at the 2:30 mark, when he reacts to being served a whole crab. Oh, the joys of dining alone.&nbsp;http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/october/happy-birthday,-buster-keaton!
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/october/happy-birthday,-buster-keaton!Tue, 04 October 2011 11:42:00 The Edible Web21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/october/the-edible-webToday's tastiest links from the web world&nbsp; A farewell video by Andy Rooney from Eater. "Thank you, fans. If you ever see me in a restaurant, feel free to leave me alone. " The Southern Foodways Alliance previews the Arkansas leg of the Southern BBQ Trail. Part Southern, part Southwest and part Midwest: there's no definitive style of 'cue in the natural state. This also explains why I grew up eating "soiee mooee" bbq sandwiches (half beef, half pork) when visiting my grandparents in Northwest Arkansas.&nbsp; CNN reports on a Massachusetts restaurant that constructed a 4,000 lb plate of nachos, a world record. Impressive, though I'm not sure I agree with the grammatical makeup of the phrase "world's largest nachos, " written on the banner. Duff beer now exists (woo-hoo!), according to Food Diggity. No word on production of Duff Light, Duff Dry and Raspberry Duff. &nbsp;Finally, I can more accurately re-enact this scene in my backyard.http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/october/the-edible-web
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/october/the-edible-webMon, 03 October 2011 16:56:00 Which Cheeses Melt Best? 21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/october/which-cheeses-melt-bestAs we enter the heart of football season, an inordinate amount of my weekend diet revolves around cheese, often melted into a dip or heated in a sandwich. And the question invariably arises, which cheeses melt best? (aside from Velveeta, which does the trick but doesn't really count, being more of a cheese-like product that's harvested on the third moon of Saturn) To answer this question succinctly, I defer to an excellent resource, 101 Things I Learned in Culinary School, by Louis Eguaras with Matthew Frederick. Here's an excerpt from a page entitled, "Soft Cheeses Melt Best." &nbsp; "Fresh, unripened cheeses&nbsp;(e.g., ricotta, feta) are used in pastries and baking. They are the softest cheeses. Soft&nbsp;cheeses (brie, camembert) ripen from outside to inside, resulting in a runny center. The longer they are aged, the sharper they taste and smell. They melt very easily. Semi-soft&nbsp;cheeses (e.g., fontina, port salut) are generally springy to the touch, mild in flavor, and melt easily. Firm or semi-hard&nbsp;cheeses (e.g., cheddar, Swiss, manchego) generally have a strong flavor. They melt somewhat but maintain their shape. Hard grating cheeses&nbsp;(e.g., romano, parmesan) have the lowest moisture content and become drier when cooked. They will melt only in small shavings." There you have it, sports fans. Go forth and fulfill your cheesy destiny.&nbsp;http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/october/which-cheeses-melt-best
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/october/which-cheeses-melt-bestMon, 03 October 2011 00:00:00 The Edible Web21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/september/the-edible-webThe internet can be a such a delicious place. For your edification, here are a few links to what's cooking in the world of restaurants and food today.&nbsp; The Ken Burns 3-Part Documentary, "Prohibition," is set to air Sunday on PBS.&nbsp;I'd say his timing is just about right on this, given all the recent nostalgia for the 20's. Or maybe I've just had too many $13 cocktails with 3 unpronounceable ingredients served by a guy in a vest with mutton chops. Roar on, 20's! LIFE presents an illustrated guide on&nbsp;how to eat sushi, complete with slightly embarrassing photos of Eva Mendes and Russell Simmons. &nbsp;Spoiler alert: California rolls are not from Japan. Hide your wife. Hide your kids.&nbsp;&nbsp; Killer cantaloupes&nbsp;may not have done their worst yet, from Grub Street. Anthony Bourdain breaks his own rules of travel on a family vacation and previews the upcoming&nbsp;&nbsp; New Orleans episode&nbsp;of "No Reservations."&nbsp;My kingdom for an oyster po' boy.&nbsp; &nbsp;http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/september/the-edible-web
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/september/the-edible-webFri, 30 September 2011 00:00:00 Apizza a Day in New Haven21241http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/september/apizza-a-day-in-new-havenNew Haven, Connecticut: once home to cotton gin inventor Eli Whitney, hideaway for British opponents of the crown in the 17th century (Colonel Edward Whalley and his son-in-law Colonel William Goffe fled to New Haven when pursued by Charles II on counts of regicide), and location of a small Puritan-founded university simply known as "Yale" to the locals. What cultural contribution is New Haven most proud of, though? Why that would be their unique brand of pizza. Pardon me, that would be apizza, the favored local nomenclature, which sounds kind of like "ah-beetz" when pronounced correctly. &nbsp;And who can blame them for being different, loud and proud of their pizza. With all the regional clamoring about varying styles of New York-style pizza, New Haven has to elbow their way into the conversation for recognition. Though my stay in New Haven was all too brief, I had the distinct pleasure of sampling some of the nation's most unique pies. The logical place to start my pizza pilgrimage was, of course, Little Italy. With pizza parlors and Italian bakeries lining both sides of Wooster Street, it's difficult to resist the first cannoli or calzone that enters your field of vision. My destination, however, was well-marked by the line spilling out the door. That would be the Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, the godfather of all New Haven pizza joints. Established in 1925, Frank Pepe's still advertises its signature "Tomato Pies Made-to-Order" - hey, when no one has any earthly idea what a pizza is (it being 1925 and all), you have to go with the most literal description of your product. The man behind the pies, Frank Pepe, emigrated from the Amalfi Coast at the age of 16 and started the business with his wife, Filomena, in 1925. At first, they offered only two pizzas. The famed signature white clam pizza - &nbsp;often said to have been invented by Frank Pepe himself - didn't come along until sometime in the 1960s. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; After a brief wait on the sidewalk, made more pleasant by a tasty raspberry Italian ice from the Italian bakery next door, my dining companions and I stepped through the door and into a museum of apizza. Framed menus and advertisements from the early days of Pepe's line the walls of the busy, no frills-dining room, and we were seated at one of many large green booths, which, on a good day, could be described as posture correcting. No matter though, with Genessee beer by the glass for $1.50 and a wide variety of Foxon Park soda (a local product served at Pepe's from the very beginning), we were quickly in our comfort zone. We placed our orders and watched as numerous pizzas were delivered on baking sheets with parchment paper and placed directly on the tables around us. &nbsp;Our pies arrived, and after rearranging the table to fit three baking sheets without spilling any drinks, it was finally time to answer the question:&nbsp; What makes a New Haven pizza different from any other pie? Most of the magic is in the crust. &nbsp;It's a coal-fired Neapolitan-style thin-crust pie. It's as thin and crispy as any crust you'll ever have the pleasure of biting into. I couldn't help but race to last few bites of each slice, as the crust cracked and exploded with charred goodness. &nbsp;The char on the bottom of the crust clearly sets it apart and leaves behind plenty of evidence on your hands - you may look like you've been a-workin' in a coal mine afterwards.&nbsp; Our table enjoyed the tomato pie with mozzarella (you can order it without the cheese) and thick, flavorful sausage the most, as well as a specialty summer pie with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella and basil. &nbsp;For purposes of scientific research, of course, I had to give the iconic White Clam Pizza a try. For those unfamiliar, it's a quite a unique combination of toppings with olive oil, grated cheese, oregano and littleneck clams. While I wholeheartedly respect this contribution to the pantheon of pizza (and let's just say I certainly had no trouble getting a few slices down) it's probably not for everyone.&nbsp; But the old school ambience here and the coal-fired charred crusts did not disappoint. With the most well-known pizzeria in town out of the way, my stomach and I forged onward towards other staples of the New Haven eats scene. Regrettably, I didn't have the time to make it to Sally's Apizza, another historical heavy hitter on Wooster Street that was founded in 1938 by Frank Pepe's nephew, Salvatore Consiglio. Most locals-in-the-know swear by the brilliant pies turned out at Modern Apizza. It happened to be closed on the particular weekend of my visit, so I headed downtown to a place simply known as Bar. Much like the other popular pizza parlors, waiting played an integral roll. But hey, Bar makes its own beer and is just as much a club/bar as a restaurant, so there's plenty going on as you bide your time. After a sizable wait, my famished dining companions and I were seated and demanded a family-style Bar Salad (way better than it sounds) with seasonal greens, blue cheese, sliced pears and killer caramelized pecans. As for the pizza, its crust was just as good as Pepe's, and the pies tended to hold together slightly better. The red pie (no mozzarella) was particularly impressive, as was our red pie with mozzarella, pepperoni and hot peppers. The freshness and flavor of all the toppings stood out.&nbsp; Though Bar certainly has some identity issues - brewpub, dance club or pizza restaurant?? - they produce a pretty mean pie. Bonus eats: After stuffing my gullet with some 15 or so slices of pizza in as many hours, I had the chance to nosh upon a few other choice foodstuffs during my stay. Manjares, a cozy little pastry shop/tapas bar in the Westville neighborhood serves up excellent ceviche and a tres leche cake to-die-for. Really, you can't go wrong with any of the house-made desserts. Soul de Cuba Café is a quiet respite &nbsp;for a café con leche, gooey fried plantains and one heck of a Cuban sandwich with fantastic roast pork. &nbsp;Beer nerds and carousers of all sorts will find Delaney's to be a great little watering hole with an impressive selection of Belgian beers on draft and three different types of moules frites.&nbsp;http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/september/apizza-a-day-in-new-haven
http://www.localeats.com/man-bites-food/2011/september/apizza-a-day-in-new-havenThu, 01 September 2011 00:00:00